
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 





Class JL__ 

Book 1 

GojyrigbtK? 

COEsfigiit deposit. 



JAN . 



ri 

1 



~/U- 



W 



i / C*. 






4-9 



SYNOPSIS. 

"THE FIFTH SEAL." 

By KIZZIE HUSKINSON SHIFFLETT. 
Author of "Sanona" and "Shakespeare's Parallelisms." 

With the pendulum swinging back eighty-four years, the 
time seems opportune to offer to the public much that has 
been left untold about "Elijah Parish Lovejoy" and his 
contemporaries that created the atmosphere of 1820 and 
1837 through religion and politics. 

The Paracelsus of his time, Mr. Lovejoy's mission quick- 
ened after his death in the "Civil War" of 1860, thus plac- 
ing his name among the "Immortals." 

His story is one of Biblical character; his patience en- 
dured to the end. 

"The Fifth Seal" is based upon the constitutional rights 
of mankind, regardless of race or color. 

The Open West used Cahokia as its "Sesame" for human 
barter of flesh. 

"The nefarious traffic will never cease," wrote a great 
Eastern editor, "until an Apostle of Liberty expounds what 
Jefferson feared, when he cried, 'I tremble for my country, 
when I think of a just God.' " Mr. Lovejoy, the man of the 
hour, was chosen by the Emancipationists to further their 
cause. The multi-colored warp of people webbed "Pain- 
court" into a scarlet metropolis, known as St. Louis, and 
hither came the profound Daniel Webster, the melliferous 
Henry Clay, the shadowy Calhoun, the great LaFayette, the 
stentorian Thos. Benton; while quietly rising over the hor- 
izon of a new day came the stripling, "Abe Lincoln." 

"The Hurrah Boys," the "Jack-Whetstones," utilized the 
Mississippi River as the means to an end, seeking the 
shelving Indian village "Ouatogo" and calling it "Alton." 

Mr. Lovejoy came West as a Presbyterian minister; he 
died the Editor of the famous "Observer," that declared 
"Slavery was a heinous crime, that affected the hearth- 
stone." 

Church and State is a cynical problem which time has 
never cemented; transplanted through recognizable pro- 
gression of events, and educated through the casting aside 
of cryptic coloring, the crystal vision of humanity visualized 
America chiseling out God's image, — "Perfect Man." 

Flitting shadows of great men peopled primeval cabins, 
wherein were found, a great coat, a Bible, a shooting- 
iron; their bent of pursuit never ceased while life lasted. 

"Whether on the scaffold high, 
Or in the battle's van; 
The noblest place for man to die, 
Is 'When he dies for man.' " 



©CUG86G39 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 




Z^^^-^^l 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 




w 



The Lovejoy Monument Erected in Alton 
City Cemetery by the State of Illinois 

Height, 93 feet; cost $30.000.00 ; material, granite 
: i n*I bronze; erected 1896-97, by State of Illinois 
and Citizens of Alton. 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 5 

CHAPTER I. 

"Behold, I have set before thee an open door, 
and no man can shut it." — Rev. 3-8. 

The year 1816 chronicles the titanic disaster 
of the good ship Sagunta, as it neared the shelv- 
ing coast of Maine ladened with a valuable car- 
go and a more valuable freight, that of human 
lives. 

Word of mouth has handed down a most 
graphic story of the terrific tempest that 
raged on land and sea prior to its arrival, and 
the alarm that filled the hearts of the shoalars. 

Plowing its way shore-ward, the gallant 
ship suddenly fell into a deep trough of death, 
where it wallowed helplessly, soon sinking from 
sight, leaving a spiral wave for its winding 
sheet. 

"A sea wall; a sea wall" moaned the shoal- 
ars helplessly, as its requiem came in from sea. 

All night long a sighing wind mourned the 
dead, and when morning broke the sky veiled 
its face with an intense vapor that unwound it- 
self from the north, spreading over the main- 
land with the immensity of an owl's wing. 



6 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

So great was this tention, that it finally broke 
and through its rents millions of snow feathers 
fell upon the earth in dense straight lines, 
blanketing all habitation. 

Like some abandoned creature, the storm 
sought the great forests, where it swayed pine 
and balsom with mighty vigor that voiced their 
agony, in groans and shrieks. 

Trappers and Woodmen barred their doors 
strongly and kept well within. 

In one of the many huts, that dotted the 
wilds, a woodman of giant statue shivered be- 
fore a roaring fire of pine knots. Fierce gusts 
of wind rattled casement and door. 

He crept closer to the roaring fire mutter- 
ing; "The Gobblins do hob-nob the night.' ' 

A savory pottage of hominy and moose 
grease simmered on the iron crane, while in a 
far off corner a bundle of fragrant arbor vitae 
invited repose. 

But the timid woodman, who was fearless 
without in time of danger, shuddered at his 
own shadow and reclined on a handsome pelt 
upon which the fire cast a satiny sheen. 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 7 

He longed for human companionship ; the 
needle-like tap of the treacherous Indian might 
come at any time, but instead, his keen ears 
heard afar off a voice crying "Vive, Vive." 

To unbar the stout oaken door took but a 
moment, and to rescue the well spent form of a 
Jesuit from the fury raging without, required 
but little effort from a man of brawn and 
muscle. 

"The good Patre" cried the woodman in 
joy, and his laugh rang out like the shaking 
of the boughs without. 

Though exhausted by his struggle with the 
elements, the good Patre whispered a blessing, 
whereat the woodman bent his head meekly. 

"Pandora opened her box tonight;" mur- 
mured the Patre; "and word was brought me 
of a ship engulfed; I will rest over night ere 
I go on to rescue souls. In the voice of the 
storm, I heard the song of France and in your 
beacon light shone its lily. 

Dry my cassock in the fire's heat care- 
fully, for it is old, Son." 



8 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

"Take in its place my handsome pelt good 
Patre, it will warm thee like needles o'fire." 

"Tempt me not, for my vow of poverty is 
ever upon me and yon cassock has been blessed 
by the 'Holy See/ I would sup a bit with you 
woodman. ' ' 

After warming his vitals with the steaming 
broth, the good Patre fell to musing aloud, as 
he rested on the bare floor; "Tis a wandering 
Pilgrim's bed" answered he in response to the 
woodman's nod in the direction of the Arbor 
Vitae. 

The fire roared louder, sending a shower 
of sparks up the chimney's blackened throat 
and gleamed fitfully upon the handsome sheen 
of the pelt, causing the Patre to rub its gloss 
softly; soon his heart expanded into that confi- 
dence that emulates gratitude. 

Moving quite close to the woodman, he took 
the horny right hand within his own, touching 
a brand burnt deeply into the palm. 

For a moment he was silent, then lifting 
his eyes heavenward murmured: "We have 
all sinned in the sight of God; but to him that 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 9 

worketh, comes the reward not reckoned of 
grace but of debt." 

"Woodman, thou hast long since worked out 
thy ransom, for these wilds chronicle not time, 
which runs into eternity." 

"Alas!" replied the woodman gruffly: "I 
am chained to labor. I am naught but a mere 
clod, that goes back to earth." 

"But you are helping to civilize this new 
country" protested the good Patre. "The 
stretching West is calling for men of brawn 
to come hither. How well has it responded to 
the tricking Napoleon, with its unceasing travel. 

There the Indian has lowered his tomahawk, 
but not his eagle-feathers; these he has placed 
upon the head of the exiled son of Louis the six- 
teenth, whom the good Josephine helped to es- 
cape to America. 

In barbaric guise the "king of France" 
awaits Napoleon's down fall: should it not 
come, then a monastery in Europe will bless 
him. 

The embargo act has torn into shreds all 
doubts as to entailed democracy. Go! wood- 



10 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

man to Father Joseph, whom you will find at 
the gate-way called, Cahokia; time must not be 
allowed to stand still, when Labor can chisel its 
way. ' ' 

Droning softer and softer, the Patre soon 
fell to telling his beads, while the woodman sat 
with mouth agap, picturing the fabulous West. 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 11 

CHAPTER II. 

"Lowliness is young ambition's ladder/' 

— Shakes. 

It was shortly after the Revolution, that an 
exodus of people sought the North of the Com- 
mon-wealth, taking with them as leader, Rev. 
Francis Lovejoy. 

The wilds of Maine called loudly for labor's 
civilization, such as brawn of muscle alone can 
perform. 

Exemplary lives form simple habits and ere 
long the good Parson encouraged his people 
to build rude cabins for their families. Soon 
cabins sprang up, boasting of neither plane 
nor square. Their over-lapping logs proved to 
the Parson that his people only needed the 
leasch of gentle resolve to lead them into the 
ways of civilization. 

His own cabin was built of well seasoned 
timber that would endure a century, and today 
it stands as a monument in Albion, Maine. 

This cabin stood in the midst of a spacious 
clearing that was mirrored in a silver lake, 



12 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

while back of it rose the blackness of a mighty 
forest. 

Genuine cheer was a feature of this settle- 
ment, for a great coat, a shootin' iron and the 
bible formed the only assets of a family, while 
its guests formed its ornaments. 

Respected by the slinking Indian through 
fear, the Parson's cabin became an eye of men- 
ace, that restrained yet protected all habitation 
there-about. 

The life of a pioneer is strenuous at its best 
and the Parson's vitality finally succumbed to 
over-taxation; but ere he died he prayed that 
his mantle might fall upon his grand-son Elijah 
Parish Love joy. 

' ' He had not lived backward, ■ ' 'tis said ; for 
he had put on the breast-plate of Faith, using 
the helmet of Hope for salvation. 

It was from this stock that Elijah Lovejoy 
descended; he was cradled in denial and gen- 
dered in poverty; but he had a spirit that held 
fast to that which is good. 

Elijah Lovejoy was a son of destiny, his 
sturdy youth was his lead-string; bred in that 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 13 

era of Jeffersonian laws, which sought to create 
a new America by stretching- the neck of the 
constitution by an authority most profoundly 
felt and often-resented, it is little wonder, 
that life was singularly fluent with mordant 
touches, for the iron collar of monarchy still 
galled the unwilling neck under the guise of 
republicanism that sought to bind up its 
wounds, leaving religion to wrestle like blind 
justice with persecution. 

The key that would unlock the situation was 
education, but it was a key offered to but few. 

The forests of Maine were redolent with the 
life-giving breath of Balsom and Pine ; a healthy 
body creates a healthy mind. It was with a 
brain teeming with well balanced theories, that 
Elijah Lovejoy became a student of earnest 
endeavor, preferring to seek the root of all se- 
quences. 

When the snows of winter kept him housed 
and time hung heavily, he would set his mother's 
spinning wheel turning with a zest equal to 
none, while the two engaged in earnest conver- 
sation. 



14 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

At such times lie felt keenly the sharp barb 
of disappointment twisting his vitals, for he 
knew his well thumbed books would not admit 
of further study ; 1 1 Their print is gone mother. ' ' 
But the pioneer mother was a woman of far 
fetched vision ; she had ever a fund of anecdotes 
ready to relate, so the youth was told of his 
sturdy scotch ancestors, who never failed in 
duty, though their lives were fraught with great 
dangers. " There the heather blooms and this- 
tles chasten with stinging reproach.' ' 

"Better had I lived in the land o' cakes, as a 
hewer o' wood or carrier o' water, for life then 
had neither zenith or twilight. Virgil you and 
I must part, I can no longer read thy lines' ' 
fingering the worn ecalogue. 

"There is good Uncle George" suggested 
his mother solicitiously ; "he will warm the co- 
des of thy heart, and minister to thy intellect 
with well worded advice; and his abundant li- 
brary is ever at the disposal of whomsoever 
seeks." 

"I had thought of him" replied the youth 
thoughtfully, "when the storm abates, and the 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 15 

snow packs I will go to Mm for my intellectual 
food; shall I blame old Neptune for giving 
Uncle George his library, which he has so care- 
fully garnered up. Mother I shall wind you flax 
a plenty' ' and seizing the distaff he filled it to 
its full: "Now thou hast flax such as inspired 
Sir Phillip Sidney to write, ' I will make of him 
an Amazon, a distaffer, a spinner V 

The mother's reply was a smile "Thy green 
bay rush is well dipped for thee : give diligence 
to thy faith, for poverty was never meant to 
be an Egyptian task-master; he who has pa- 
tience can have what he will; Uncle George 
still hopes to build his sea-wall off the shoals, 
eked from his savings, that sea-faring people 
may be rescued." 

"When I think of his years of patience, I 
am clothed with humility, for such endeavor is 
a heritage of God." 

With chastened spirit, the youth climbed to 
his loft, where he gave friendly greeting to three 
companions : viz ; a Greek testament, a dog eared 
volume of Horace and Johnson's dictionary. 

Thus like Enoch of old he continued to grow 
in grace and understanding. 



16 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

CHAPTER III. 

"Forests are privileges of nature." — Dryden. 

A storm presents a strange phenomena of 
havoc and destruction followed by sudden calm 
and serenity ; such was the case of a w T eeks de- 
vastation, that jeweled the ground and inter- 
laced the trees with beauty. A few days later 
Elijah Love joy, with a feeling of youthful ex- 
pectancy, carefully adjusted his compass and 
strapped his snowshoes, preparatory to depar- 
ture at daybreak. 

The dog star, the almanac of ancient Egypt, 
shone brightly in the sky, the air was crisp, and 
the snow so well packed as to accelerate pro- 
gress : the heart of the forest was soon reached, 
there it became necessary to unbuckle the snow- 
shoes and proceed cautiously on foot, for the 
well" browsed tree trunks, indicated to the 
traveler that he was in the vicinity of the cari- 
bon and the moose. He knew the Indian was 
not far off and was therefore not at all sur- 
prised to behold a fierce red countenance peer- 
ing up at him from some underbrush. 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 17 

"Come forth Deer-foot' ' cried he. 

At his bidding, an Indian sprang nimbly 
out, placing his finger on his lips. 

The traveler drew forth his birch whistle 
and blew a shrill blast; "ugh, ugh, ugh, ooo, 
oooo. " 

The echo came full a mile away, and in a 
twinkling a great crashing was heard among 
the underbrush. 

With shooting iron well in hand the traveler 
awaited the coming of his game; there was a 
ponderous lunge and an immense moose burst 
into sight, with antlers well lowered. 

It was a magnificent specimen of God's own 
horse, but with all its powerful strength, the 
moose is a very timid creature and readily 
scents danger. In turning to flee, it presented 
to the hunter its most vulnerable part, the 
shoulder. 

The shot that rang out found its target, for 
with a terrific snort the animal lunged forward 
dead. 

Swift as a panther, the Indian rushed to- 
ward the carcass and began to slash off great 



18 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

hunks of red meat, while Elijah Love joy hasten- 
ed to a nearby hut where his tinder soon started 
a brisk fire; soon a savory joint was roasting 
on the spit and ere long the strange companions 
were eating of a most toothsome dish; a third 
party joined them without any formality be- 
yond that of greeting : it was the woodman, who 
had returned from a journey into the forest, 
carrying on his shoulders a huge bundle of pine 
fagots which he threw without ; tempted by the 
savory odor within, without more ado he en- 
tered and fell to eating. 

The Indian was the first to eat his fill ; with- 
out even a grunt of farewell, he slunk away in- 
to the shadows of the forests, carrying with him 
the hunter's trophy, the handsome pelt. 

When the woodman discovered his loss, his 
rage knew no bounds ; such was his profanity, 
that the christian youth harshly reproved him. 

" Woodman,' ' said he sternly "Blaspheme 
not, for time is not long since, when for every 
oath," a can o' water was poured down thy 
sleeve and thy ears even split; "the Indians 
once saved Jamestown from starvation: the 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 19 

Indian is a child of nature, knowing not the 
whiteman's creed — 'thou shalt not steal;' in 
these wilds every thing is in common, nothing 
in general. The Indian is more of a Christian 
than thou art, for he never defiles his creator as 
thou hast done. ,, 

The solemn voice and convincing manner of 
this young apostle soon brought the contrite 
woodman to his knees; "And I promised the 
good Patre to be patient,' ' cried he: "Aye! 
sire, thy good Grand-sire stands afore me in 
thee; his words ar' yourn: see yon twig forks 
on shelf, see yon birch plates, and pewter cup : 
they ar' hisn, 'waitin' his commin; tho I knows 
he be dead many a year." 

Tears checked further utterance; "Verily 
his spirit has never left thee woodman" an- 
swered his mentor gravely. 

"Twas in the year 1790, that thy Gran-sire 
came ter th' shoals" went on the woodman, now 
in retrospective mood, "I wuz kow constable, 
an' keeper o' seal; and I wuz doin' many a law- 
less thing ter pay off my ransom: th' Parson 
sent me inland, an here I've liv'd these years 



20 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

an my ransom is still on me ; I look on thee, ez 
I look en thy Gran-sire, an I hop'd ter send 
th' pelt ter Uncle George, seem' yer goin' hisn 
way. ' ' 

"I will tell him of thy gift and how thy 
feet were shod with preparation. The grace 
of God be with you and understanding be thine 
in his good time: but I am in a strait to go 
hence : f are-thee-well woodman. ' ' 

"The Indian knows not how to interpret 
Elliot's bible, and Mugwamp depends too large- 
ly upon the white people to instruct his uncer- 
tain tribe,' ' thought Elijah Lovejoy as he fol- 
lowed a circutious route toward the east, where 
it ended at a heap of stones placed in the form 
of a cross ; it was at this point that all travelers 
tarried to refresh the inner man; for within 
the decaying trunks of many trees were found 
birch berries, solemn seal and moose berries 
aplenty, exemplifying that life never perishes. 

Many travelers blessed the good Patres for 
keeping up the grave of "Francis Champe- 
; siane" by making it into a blessed shrine, 
where-at the weary body was refreshed. 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 21 

From this abiding place could be seen a 
far off promitory, upon which grew a tall pine 
tree; within its long bare branches, the hunter 
knew a bald eagle had held its eyre full fifty 
years: he, therefore respected its age and it 
remained unmolested. 

This land mark was however the entrance 
way to the shoals, where Uncle George lived on 
a shelving promitory. 

Uncle George was not only a man of keen 
vision, but a doer of deeds; he had great faith 
in the youth of America, feeling that they would 
plane down the rough edges of crude civiliza- 
tion, and perhaps even square the circle. 

Where he came from, was never known, 
much less asked about : suffice it to say, he was 
part and parcel of those strenuous days, when 
such men were staunch and true. 

He possessed a wonderful library, which he 
gladly loaned to any student; he encouraged 
construction, tho it found habitation in smoky 
cabin; his great desire was to erect a sea-wall 
to succor incoming vessels in time of storm. 

This object was not achieved however until 



22 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

Uncle George had reached the ripe age of Sixty 
years. 

His companions were an old retainer and a 
dozen snout-pitted dogs, that were ever ready 
to rush forth at the sound of a birch horn 
across the waters, where a batteau was always 
waiting for the transient visitor. 

"They are children of the soil, these dogs" 
laughed Uncle George fondly patting their 
heads in turn. "Were they smocked, they could 
not be more full of joyous impulse." 

Locked arm and arm with his guest, Uncle 
George felt the bouyant strength of young life 
pervade his being, for he predicted a career for 
Elijah Lovejoy, and great was his joy at be- 
holding the youth again. 

With deepest feeling he related the death 
of the good ship Sagunta some time since. 
"Not a soul on board was saved, naught but 
splinters of mahogany timbers washed ashore; 
Yet I am not the man to accuse Neptune un- 
justly in making ship-wrecks; what is sadly 
needed here is a sea-wall, a sea-wall; the sea 
keeps its secrets securely, yet it has "a snatch 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 23 

of honor" in it, for it washes in a sequence of 
its story. 

Sometime the waves of sound will be studied 
and the sound of waves heeded; the rain-bow 
gives its warning in the morning as it gives de- 
light in the evening to the sailor. 

A smear o' light may be a bit o' phosphoric 
atmosphere, but it is called at sea "St. Elmo's 
Fire, such as fore-runs disaster. But here we 
are at mine cabin, and its high hanging horse- 
shoe bids you welcome. ' ' 

"Uncle George's smile of wholesome cheer 
could win a battle, for he gives me the confi- 
dence of an army" thought the youth gazing 
fondly around the inviting interior. 

From the tiny windows could be seen an 
abundant orchard in season, with a wind-mill 
that shifted just right to grind corn in plenty 
and to spare ; Surely Uncle George was blessed, 
notwithstanding his isolation. 

His December of life understood the May of 
youth, for his tact was much like the reasoning 
found in the philosophy of heaven and earth, 
such as Epicurus taught in his porch philoso- 
phy, or Aristotle in his Lyceum. 



24 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

For a table, Uncle George used a stout hick- 
ory chair, arranged with folding wings; for 
space was limited in the cabin and his large 
library filled one end completely. 

His old retainer, brought in an abundance 
of shad and mountain berries, flanking all with 
a bit of salmon to tickle the appetite. 

In the meantime, Uncle George was busy tal- 
lowing an extra pair of stout hide boots, which 
he handed to one of the canines to place exactly 
on the crack of the floor. "I have trained each 
dog to work Elijah, for I am Bourbon enough to 
be like Benj. Franklin, 'I believe in trained 
labor/ that begets will power; plantin' corn does 
not require brains, says Parson Parish, but the 
making of history does ; the Parson was tarry- 
ing a fortnight ago with me, and his last words 
to me were about his old friend's son ' Elijah 
Lovejoy;' 'Monmouth college is opening wide 
her doors for such as he,' says the Parson; I 
thank my God for knowing his remembrance, 
for he has a discerning spirit that understands 
much and a discreet tongue that holds : now how 
many hymns Elijah, eh?" 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 25 

"One hundred and fifty sir" answered Eli- 
jah, modestly adding "and one hundred and 
nineteen psalms and thirty hymns on my way 
here, seeing it was a long tramp and tiresome, 
sir." 

"Fine lad," cried Uncle George with a re- 
sounding slap on the broad shoulders of the 
youth; "I told the Parson you were first in 
Spellm' Bees, strong enough to swim a lake 
three-fourths of a mile wide without so much 
as breathing, and daring enough to dive to a 
depth of fifteen feet, where mud and clams sig- 
nal danger." 

"That's the lad to become a leader of some 
cause, for he won't swamp in the slough of dis- 
pair. " cried the Parson. 

The speaker's voice had in it the confidence 
of old age, and as Elijah Lovejoy turned to his 
fine library with the hope of finding what he 
sought, his face lit up with such joy that Uncle 
George smiled indulgently, "He that has pa- 
tience can have what he wills." 

Uncle George was a man of homely harmony 
and great heart ; his association caused many a 



26 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

youth to arouse dormant powers into activity. 
"My religion," said he "is not one that uses the 
cross, for that savors of popery; my religion is 
this: 'Give me this day my daily work'." 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 27 

CHAPTER IV. 
"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." 

Unfamiliar youth looks upon the world as a 
mysterious romance, so enthralled is the being 
with hazardous adventure, that it knows no 
medium between plenty and hardship. 

Many pioneers' sons struggled through col- 
lege, but more staid without. College men 
Viewed their way through byways and hedges 
into political or religious life, by using extraor- 
dinary reasoning powers called independent 
thought. 

Monmouth college was a well known educa- 
tional centre of quite stern ferule, for it boasted 
of giving measure for measure and also declar- 
ed it would sift the chaff from the wheat. 

The collegiate torch-light procession was an 
oasis in the later life of many a student, and 
the chant of "The Lord is my shepherd" 
brought to memory, a line of singing students 
five hundred strong, marching with joyous 
swing to their audience hall. There the Pector's 
rugged face bowed sedately in answer to salute, 



28 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

his grey hair was held well back from his lofty 
forehead by a huge black bow, which added to 
the whiteness of his snowy kerchief. 

A few diaries held excerpts of his speech, 
which was ever freighted with patriotism. 
"Fellow students" said he " since our hearts 
are united in one cause, we though individual 
sovereigns engrave the Golden Rule of fraternal 
virtue on the future, with the knowledge that 
man is immortal as long as his name is remem- 
bered: the man that fails in the middle of a 
career cannot make land on either side. God 
has given different arts to each just as he has 
complexions and customs ; let us therefore have 
mercy, without which all must perish and the 
soul of bounty die; let us remember the signi- 
ficance of our country's emblem made up as it 
is from the smoke of battles and the blood of 
heroes; was it not the shred of an old shirt 
that unfurled from Fort Stanwix the message 
of freedom? 

Freedom is an immortal truth, that says all 
men are equal; in it is the subtile magic of the 
lost sapphire, which tradition declares will emit 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 29 

the fiery glow of the ruby, when worn next to 
a beating heart.' ' 

The Pector paused "ran the words,' ' and 
picked up the traditional feathered quill, which 
he stripped of its beard. Thus he gave interval 
for free speech. 

A student by the name of Elijah Love joy 
arose : he is a fellow of dark and rugged mein, 
full of serious endeavor and of great reasoning 
powers; he is of rather singular intent: "Fel- 
lows, let me remind you that it is our Pector 
who molds our life and purpose. His is the 
beating heart against which lies the Jewel. 

Though the future with obscure wing scouts 
us with uncertainty, let us ever seek that scope 
of line that most affects humanity, and become 
apostles of some fixed cause, from which we 
will never turn back. 

' So near is grandeur to our dust 
So near is God to man: 
When duty whispers low ' Thou must, ' 
The youth replies 'I can'." 

Many fingers scribbled this fellows words 
ere the Pector spoke again: "Read the holy 



30 THE FIFTH SEAL. 



scriptures, ' Seek and ye shall find. ' The Amer- 
ican house of Stuarts believes in our college 
axiom; 'Fear not little flock, it is your father's 
good pleasure to give you the kingdom'. How 
you will interpret it, the future alone will 
determine. All patriots believe in yon Flag 
sketched by Betsy Eoss and autographed by 
George Washington," pointing to a faded 
sketch on the wall, "Time has sadly discolored 
it but its theology remains as great as it is 
simple, for years have added to its truth. ' ' 

The early college duly impressed every stu- 
dent with the value of upholding constitutional 
rights, for the times were of great economic 
stress and the common-wealth was becoming in- 
fected by the canker worm of unrest. 

Each student therefore knowing that mat- 
ters of deepest concern awaited the educated, 
mapped out a career long before he bade his 
college farewell ; never considering the scales of 
justice very often weighed heavier on his own 
side. 

Colonization might disseminate economic 
distress, were elective leaders sought. 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 31 

Now the aristocrat, when denied luxury 
grows antagonistic to some extent; he is often 
a radical, often a sluggard; perchance he is an 
exponent of feudalism, whom the autocratic 
master sought to enthrall into his own way of 
thinking by allowing him apparent power with- 
out thought of longevity or thought of right. 
For principles of reform have been tutored to 
him in a most pleasing manner. The aristocrat 
is a numeral in the line of arimathical progres- 
sion. This the mob adores and bows to, in their 
own manner. 

During such times, colleges should gender 
thoughts that will construct rather than destroy 
civilization. 

In the history of early American life, col- 
leges fostered students with the contagion of 
reform; curiosity drove the masses to the me- 
tropolis New York, where, with bated breath, 
they listened to heated arguments on coloniza- 
tion and the expansion of the far West. Aboli- 
tion was showing its fearsome face, hallowed 
by no saintly fire. Slavery was retarding civ- 
ilization and would cripple the West. John Jay 



32 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

had finally succeeded in abolishing slavery in 
New York, but its rank seed had blown else- 
where and was blossoming forth. Elijah Love- 
joy was an apt pupil and a better follower; he 
was not alone a deep thinker but he was an in- 
defatigable enthusiast. He was zealous in all 
undertakings, he was a true disciple of Christ. 
He was like a blade of flame that burns its way 
through a debris of rubbish, voicing its de- 
calogue in fire as God once spake to Moses on 
Mount Sinai. 

Listening to the profound Daniel Webster 
deliver his famous Plymouth oration, with the 
public he partook of their astonishment, when 
gazing at the long shaking finger of John Ran- 
dolph pointing to the black menace in the Amer- 
ican sky. Rumors floated around, about the 
puritan with a black leg: was it Henry Clay? 
than whom no one was more loved. Calhoun 
was beseiged to become a centralization instru- 
ment, but he refused; abstract principles of 
abolition and convention began to open the poli- 
tical eyes of Philadelphia in amazement, When 
Lane seminary broached ideas that boded 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 33 

neither good nor yet evil tendencies. The un- 
explainable Cox greatly mismanaged his coloni- 
zation society, causing Thomas C. Brown to re- 
tract all details concerning the colony of Li- 
beria, so that mecca of Louis Tappin was never 
reached. 

Men matured with too much reasoning ap- 
pealed wildly to susceptible youths whose un- 
tutored minds garnered up both wax and 
honey. 

Often vantage ground was gained through 
threats and even violence. The times were 
smoking with volcanic eruptions, from which 
arose the cry "Missionaries must be sent 
West." 

Rev. Salman Gidding had undertaken that 
arduous trip many years previous, and he wrote 
for men of talent to come hither to " Paine 
Court;" "for it has only one school teacher by 
name of Col. Shepherd. Paine Court is rapidly 
growing into a metropolis and will soon be 
called St. Louis." 

The waterways insured progress and the 



34 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

fertile soil along the great Mississippi river en- 
dured four seasons of culture. 

Emigrants quickly took to the trail and Mr. 
Love joy was not long in arranging to go hither. 

He was somewhat like Ixion embracing a 
cloud, but it was a cloud of mighty concern; an 
imminent lawyer urged the missionary on his 
way saying: "The East will decay your ener- 
gies; for long before my youth I was old, and 
now though still young, I am spoken of as one 
in his dotage because I can look ahead and dare 
to tell the truth of things as they are." 

When spring opened up the emigrants trail 
with blossoming beauty, Mr. Lovejoy went 
west, crossing mountainous Pennsylvania, flat 
Indiana, and the muddy Wabash, where he 
fell in with Geo. Flower and Morris Birbeck, 
who were establishing moravian settlements 
there. 

Throughout his journey, Mr. Lovejoy treas- 
ured up his observations, much as did Pharaoh 
his garnered corn; for he believed God was 
logician enough to reason with human beings 
through mathematics, and chronicle eternity 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 35 

through astronomy, botony and geology, for in 
none of these do we find grammatical error, 
since there is as great a factor in the maximum 
of care as there is in the minimum of error. 

When light thickened the early dawn, he be- 
held in its circle, the sacred symbol of cause 
and effect with God sitting in the midst ; truly, 
Isaiah saw aright. 

It was near the close of Autumn when he 
reached his journey's end; deciduous leaves 
covered southern Illinois, which had just been 
admitted as a free state. (1818, according to 
the ordinance of 1787.) 

It was here that Mr. Lovejoy encountered a 
runaway slave, who was hiding among dense 
foliage, such as old plants affect. But the old 
negro wore no Plato's helmet, for his white 
wooley head was plainly seen and it required 
much gentle coaxing to make him emerge there- 
from; "Whar de clawgs Massa, dey hav a po'ful 
scent. I ken wuk, but I is purty weak lik fur 
food, but I ken wuk." 

Thus protesting his value, the negro fell at 
his rescuer's feet like a broken reed. 



36 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

Eventially Mr. Love joy assisted him to an 
under-ground railway and to freedom, firmly 
convinced that the cabin was as steadfast a 
haven to the negro as was the home to the white 
man, and his hearthstone as dear a trust. 

In the mind of density, there is lack of con- 
centration, confidence and trust, which kind 
treatment often overcomes; for the beautiful 
aloe never unfolds new leaves until the old 
leaves are cast aside. 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 37 

CHAPTER V. 

"How beautiful is the sun, when thou cometh 

to visit us." — Ovid. 

The gateway to the great West was the 
ancient village of Cahokia, lying to the east of 
the Mississippi River. 

That Cahokia was an prehistoric site is 
proven by the discovery in Monk's Mound of 
elephant's pipes and genuine pottery of rare 
mold. 

Through this gateway went the Canadian 
ranger, New England emigrant, and the Vir- 
ginia settler, lingering awhile to view in won- 
derment the panorama stretched before them, 
from the apex of Monks Mound, which held 
twenty-five million cubic feet of earth, its height 
being ninety-one feet. 

Across the great Mississippi River nestled 
the village of Paine Court, populated by the 
French, whose fiddle scraping, night and day, 
attested their jocularity and social intercourse. 

This center of the great western area was 



38 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 



most wisely selected by DeSoto and Coronada 
as a prophetic site of industry. 

At the time of Mr. Lovejoy's arrival, Paine 
Court was beginning to yawn and look over the 
bluffs skirting the river; it was calling itself 
St. Louis, thus commemorating the Louisiana 
Purchase; it waved a smoky welcome to the 
emigrant, from forge and furnace. 




Ancient Cahokia (Where the Famous Monks Mound is 
Found) was the Gate-Way to the West. 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 39 

In 1810, Cahokia began to decay instead of 
construct; its census showing sixty artisans 
and ten trappist monks, and a yet smaller pop- 
ulation. 

These trappist monks lived a somewhat 
shadowy life ; their beings were emaciated, from 
great self-denial, but their secular grace was 
such as stayed the traveler from seeking to 
change their habits of penurious living. 

It was here that Mr. Lovejoy met Father 
Joseph, a Jesuit of enduring strength. "Our 
labor is not hard, when we arrange it ; we never 
exert undue influence, but our motive is to save 
souls; behold how we advertise our work;" 
spreading a small newspaper before him. 
' ' Watches, clocks, silver smithy traded for corn, 
tallow, cattle, blankets and small tanned skins 
suitable for clothing. Thus we manage to exist, 
while awaiting the expansion of the West, ' ' ex- 
plained Father Joseph. "This was one of our 
numbers, whose mission ended only in his 
death, ' ' and he led the way to where a precious 
relic hung on the stain-worn wall. 

It was the breivary of "Isaac Jo jus," who 



40 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

was murdered by the Dacotah Indians. 

"This relic was rescued from them with 
great danger/ ' said Father Joseph quietly. 
"Somewhere in the common-wealth will be 
found a painting of this holy man with his 
noted signature, 'Isaac Jojus,' and his motto, 
'I go, but I shall never return, yet I am no 
exile. ' He was covered with politic guise; his 
work was not compulsory; of the world, yet not 
in it; he represented the work of a Jesuit, who 
can never be chiseled like a parish priest. ' ' 

"The golden wedge of Ophir is oft hidden 
in night," responded Mr. Lovejoy, as he turned 
to view the magnificent scene spreading to the 
west of the great waters. 

"Your words hint at state craft, and it is 
through the traveler whom we encourage to 
linger yet awhile, that we learn of the great 
outside world?" said Father Joseph interroga- 
tively. "The growing west is full of church 
and tavern, which a writer declares is anal- 
ogous ; in one a sermon, in the other its effect. ' ' 

Was it possible that in the serious, dark- 
browed man, standing so thoughtfully near his 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 41 

side, Father Joseph recognized a man who was 
to be looked upon later as a martyr. 

"In yon growing town across the river, you 
will see military coat-tails worn by men as vain 
as peacocks and quite as talkative as parrots; 
men who, like whirl-winds, uproot with a breath 
the seeds of religion to achieve their goal — 
Ambition.' ' The Jesuit unconsciously turned 
his eyes to where a whirl-pool eddied to the 
north of the river. "Duncan's Island and its 
companion, Bloody Island, both noted as duel- 
ing grounds; there the famous ' Lucas-Benton' 
duel was fought in 1817, Lucas dying; it was 
brought on by ambition and desire for the Sen- 
ate. As you cross the river this evening, you 
will see the man, who daily comes hither seeking 
to know the emigrant; his name is Thos. Ben- 
ton." 

As the Mogal plowed her way across the 
Mississippi late that day, Mr. Lovejoy observed 
a tall, morose man standing well apart from 
the motley crowd that jostled elbows with 
coarse jests and rude manners, looking moodily 
in the direction of Bloody Island ; he seemed to 



42 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

pull his tall light beaver hat lower on his brow 
as he sighed audibly, he then turned with cy- 
clonic swiftness and called out to some hunters 
lounging on the prow : 

"Ho! Ho! My hearties! howdye, howdye; 
tell of your adventures, of the water-ways you 
crossed on your travels, so that I can divide 
this great west with seeming ease into the grace 
of a living place for your families; the moun- 
tain ranges divide, and even change; not so the 
water-ways, once their channel is fixed." 

With great eagerness, he plied question 
after question, keeping the hunters under the 
spell of his mighty force of character. Though 
Col. Benton wore the brand of Cain and was 
even said to be a fugitive from North Carolina, 
yet he was a man of powerful influence and was 
most constructive in the building of the West. 

Old Bullion was so named because he 
climbed into the Senate by the vote of a dying 
man, by the name of Daniel Ball. 

The West represented an age of general in- 
tolerance created by business sagacity, well 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 43 

cemented by legendary tales of visionary 
wealth. " Orators " exploited the cry of ex- 
pansion and Col. Benton never failed to attract 
a group of interested listeners. 

"Hear! Hear!" cried he that day; "General 
Jackson is about to make a law." 

The word went around that a carrier pigeon 
had brought him a message before the Mogul 
set sail; and so the passengers crowded closely 
around the great orator, eager to hear the latest 
news. 

In stentorian tones Col. Benton began: 
"General Jackson is about to pass a law reduc- 
ing all public lands, and he will donate home- 
steads to all worthy trades-people, who will be- 
come pioneers in the expanding West. It is in 
this way the expanding West will be popu- 
lated." 

"But such offer requires a grain o' salt to 
keep the thought from spilin'," cried a voice 
from the crowd. "Are his words ballast, or 
shifting sand, and why not build a crib first on 
Bloody Island to turn the current this way, 



44 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

seem' th' boat labors hard ter pull ter shore/ ' 

Such hazardous words brought forth a tor- 
rent of invectives, as was to be expected, and 
fairly leaping o'er the heads of those nearest 
him, Col. Benton shouted : 

"Who is it that dares to question the verac- 
ity of General Jackson, than whom none is more 
honorable? His name is Honor.' ' The de- 
fender's eyes held a dangerous flame, like a 
smoking lamp about to explode. 

"Hum," muttered the crowd, falling back 
expectantly and exposing a small man, who 
emerged bravely, standing to one side. " 'Hum,' 
he's not a peacemaker like Henry Clay, he's 
always plumin' for fight. We'uns won't tol- 
erate his pomp." 

The small man came close to Col. Benton 
and whispered in his ears some magic words, 
whereupon Old Bullion replied blandly, though 
in none the less severe tones: "Burdher, you 
insult the great peacemaker. Would you break 
the camel 's back with a straw ? ' ' 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 



45 




if^fffiiill-iiig. 



m jyLS2-*~. 



£*!* (5^" £"*■ 



|<i**L 



Missouri Hotel, Famous for its Political Meetings. 

"Nay, Colonel, but all men are not of the 
same venue, so why tell the news afore tonight 
at the Missouri Hotel, where you ar' spokes- 
man? I am just outspoken is all, but I am 
your friend." 

"But your example is bad, very bad," said 
the Colonel in an aside. "Know you not that 
there are many stool pigeons in yon gaping 
crowd. ' ' 

To the expectant crowd the Colonel ap- 



46 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

peared to wax angry once more, for he doffed 
his high beaver hat and pulled off his long flap- 
ping coat ; was he going to avenge General Jack- 
son J s honor, for he was spittling his hands and 
his manner showed intense and instant action. 

Mr. Lovejoy stood well back viewing the 
hurdy-gurdy crowd, who seemed unhappy un- 
less in uproar. 

"These are the ungodly that ever seek au- 
dience; they dig a pit and fall therein them- 
selves to gratify dispute ?" 

In the meantime the little boat, being heav- 
ily loaded, careened to one side, causing the 
peppery captain to shout out a warning: 

"Ahoy! Ahoy! Would ye swamp th' boat, 
an' sa ne'er land." 

Whereat the crowd, not wanting a ducking, 
and also not desiring to lose their valuable herd 
of livestock, obeyed his order and scattered 
the balance, "But he'll finish on land th' night, 
an' General Jackson's honor will be avenged." 

But Col. Benton only thundered at the Cap- 
tain: "Hasten th' boat. See yon sun-post 
tells th ' hour is late, and tonight I have impor- 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 47 

tant work to do. For the mountains and water- 
ways show me the way." 

The Mogul plowed heavily past the landing; 
its ringing bells caused the rowdies on the 
levees to arouse from their transient slumbers 
and hasten assistance; after long effort, a land- 
ing was effected, and Mr. Lovejoy stepped his 
foot on firma terra scanning the scene with 
physiologic eye. 

Drunkards and loafers, rubbish and mer- 
chandise were conglomerated together in a pro- 
miscuous array. 

The scarlet thread ran through all strangely 
amuck, presenting a scene of depravity; thus 
was the "warp" of St. Louis, when it became a 
city. 

The frivolous French were all heels and no 
head, the Irish naught but "herbaria" that 
preserved their energies for Wm. Conner to 
awaken, by gifts of knoll and hill; he it was, 
that dragged St. Louis over the top by generous 
gifts. At the time of Mr. Lovejoy 's arrival, St. 
Louis had its city hall, which was reached from 
the river by two circuitous routes. 



48 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

Chouteau and Lucas erected this building, 
consisting of two stories, and containing a con- 
tingency of small rooms, where the law was 
dangled ad libitum by Lawless, Peck, Hamilton, 
Gamble, Bent, Spalding and Bird. Here, too, 
was found the famous city directory compiled 
in one night by Mr. Paxton, who used discretion 
in advising the wayfarer to tarry this way or 
Mother "na Belief ountain or Carondelet," or, 
if best be, St. Charles Road." Saint and sinner 
met daily at the city hall. The newcomer was 
jogged hither on arrival to meet his friends, as 
it was a more definite place and far less dan- 
gerous than waiting on the levee. 

So it was here that Mr. Love joy met his 
friend, Rev. Giddings, who having gone West 
many years before, was most practical in all 
things. 

"When one cannot right a misdemeanor, it 
is well to be patient, for in his own time the 
Lord will arrange every thing. ' ' 

These words covered his life in the West to 
such extent, that he was spoken of as a man of 
great blessing and of long-head. 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 49 

"This growing metropolis of the middle 
west will ask tolerance," said he to Mr. Love- 
joy< "Preach the word in what-so-ere you 
will, in season and out of season; reprove with 
entreaty, rebuke with charity, overlook with 
sincerity, as did Paul to Timothy. Follow well 
his doctrine, knowing that neither cross nor 
crescent prevails here at this time of history. 
The Great Mississippi is turning trade this way, 
since it is deserting St. Genevieve, and prophecy 
says one hundred years hence it will know that 
town no more; not so with St. Louis, it will 
hold its right of way. ' ' 

"I will take fast hold of thy instruction, ' ' 
answered Mr. Lovejoy, turning around at a 
loud cry. 

"Halloe! Halloe! Come one, come all, to the 
dram shop 'twixt Missouri Hotel and next, to 
hear Gov. McNair talk on the waste lands of 
our glorious West." 

Then a brazen bell rang out loudly near the 
ear of a small man of upright bearing, who 
quickly faced about with a military air, exclaim- 



50 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

ing fiercely. "And bring along your cliclickers, 
Citizens, to settle the conscience. " 

"That is Captain Smith, who never misses 
his mark, because he keeps in practice; he is 
an invincible foe, but a true friend; he comes 
here daily to challenge Joe Collins to duel." 

' ' Ah, Mr. Pettus, that constitution you com- 
piled on parchment has warp enough to last a 
century; so much for a stateman's ability.' ' 

"Tut, tut," answered that gentleman. "Fine 
words butter no parsnips. It was just plain 
application is all; I am not interrupted at night 
by constant money grabbing, or political wran- 
gles, once shut within my home; Dryden says, 
'Home is the sacred refuge of our life, ' and I 
agree with him, yes siree ! 

"So I wrote what I may call the National 
conscience," chuckling softly; "as all problems 
prove themselves according to the rule of three, 
eh, Wm. Deakers, what say." 

"I say, Mr. Pettus, that your scholarship is 
without peer, and you never ride your hobby 
horse to death, either; even Mr. Findly, our 
chairman of committee, who is a scholar in ratio 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 61 

and proportions, says likewise. But there 
comes Joe Charless wearing his green coat. 
Where is Ben Provenchere ? He is transferring 
property today; he is an important factor, too, 
eh, Pettus, in the question of ' Give and Take. ' ' ' 

"Please, sire, Mr. Chouteau would have 
speech with you," said a negro. 

"Yes, Gabriel; assure him I will be there 
soon. ' ' 

"Black Gabriel is another factor of Augus- 
tus Chouteau's grist mill; when his great pond 
broke, as Gab predicted it would, and lost 
thousands of fish, who geared it up and stayed 
with it night and day— Gabrial. He saved the 
people from going hungry, bless his black hide; 
had he been a fraction of a second late all would 
have been lost and many lives lost. ' ' 

"Gab is no longer a problem he has proven 
his worth. His freedom papers are in your 
hands when ever he wants them;" 

As he turned to go, Rev. Gidding remarked 
to his friends; "We pioners all must go to the 
same school for experience ; the negro is tutored 
by the laws of nature; he knows intuitively 



52 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

that nature abhors a vacuum, and so he listens 
to the waters murmur; he is shepherd of the 
night in astronomy; sound means considerable 
to him and for lack of education he goes to the 
first school of nature for truth." 

"But slavery, slavery,' ' cried Mr. Love joy. 
"It is a monster that drinks blood and devours 
flesh." There is written a devine law that says 
1 ' There shall be but one society on earth and it 
belongs to the human race irrespective of 
color." 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 53 

CHAPTER VI. 

"All Worketh the same spirit, dividing to every 
man as he wills." — I Cor. 

The early settlers of St. Louis differed more 
in church politics than in social welfare. 

It was a most difficult task for missionaries 
to instill high ideals in settlers who were im- 
bued with a wisdom that had faith in nothing. 

So the thread that ran through each day 
tangled sadly with original sin whose fibre was 
too strong to be cut quickly. 

Quasi-powers, mentality, customs had been 
cultivated too long and habits had become 
rooted. 

Henry Clay, the idol of the West smiled sage- 
ly at the antics of " Paine Court,'' but he con- 
demned fiddle scraping and night-raiding as 
lawless breeders of levity, when the city became 
known as St. Louis. 

"Still" mused a citizen: "a riot cannot be 
called a revolution ; our citizens yield too much 
to impulse and don 't think. ' ' 



54 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

England, France and Switzerland had fine 
methods of colonization through organization, 
and thus were building better than they thought 
to do. 

"Time will place a wallet, on the pioneer's 
back." "True" cried a staid christian "but the 
next generation will cry 'My God, why hast 
thou forsaken me : ' and God will answer back : 
'you have never offered to carry the cross'." 

' ' The cross is growing nebulous through sel- 
fish aims and man sups with the devil with a 
golden spoon. The man who rough hews his way 
and lives in harmony unconsciously civilizes 
humanity. Religion is not a creed for simple- 
tons." 

"A reformer has come to our city and will 
soon look into public welfare with this result 
that many things will no longer be tolerated," 
replied his companion earnestly. 

"Look here comes two missionaries, whose 
work never tires ; and whose diligence is never 
weary, for they admit neither failure nor yet 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 55 

The two alluded to, were Mr. Love joy and 
Rev.Gidding, whose labors indeed never ceased; 
there was much discouragement to embarrass 
them and innumerable issues to be overcome. 
But, hand in hand the two missionaries strove 
through sympathy to meet the cosmopolitan 
class that drifted into St. Louis. 

"We will walk over Mullanthy creek and 
visit a primitive but worthy citizen, who will 
some day be eulogized for his generous spirit. 
He lives in monastic frugality now; but is in a 
way to amass an immense fortune" said Rev. 
Giddings to his friend, as arm in arm the twain 
crossed a little foot bridge and passed on to 
a low thatched cabin, where the door stood wide 
open and the odor of toasting fishheads was 
wafted out to them. 

"He is at his favorite dish, which we must 
share with him" whispered Rev. Gidding. 

Within, they found a rather jolly old gentle- 
man with a huge carbuncled nose, busy toasting 
fish heads, of which he had a great quantity. 

"Welcome" he said simply sweeping a heap 
of yellow gold into the mouth of a leathern 



56 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

sack; "I am looking for Nathaniel Beverly 
Tucker ter cum ter-night ter count thet gold fer 
me; I low ez I doan live like gentry; but he, 
Nathaniel doan either ; fur he lives in the hollow 
of an old tree trunk, instead o' cuttin it down 
an' building a cabin like me; the lightin will 
catch Nathaniel some bad day sure miff, seein 
it always plays wid tree trunks bad. Cum th' 
fish is done ter a turn an uncommonly large 
too.' ' 

It was a true barmecide feast, if not to taste, 
and the host commented on his visitors appetite 
with seeming satisfaction. "Yes siree" said 
this phrasemonger placidly eating the last bit 
and washing it down with wholesome wine; "I 
am what iz spoken of as a pelt-trader, I barter 
and I trade lucky; but wot is thar else ter life, 
fur I doan care a fig fur gold, save ter rest my 
soul ; company will season the wittles and wine 
will make th' tongue hang loose; an wot do 
weums care fer printm' papers, wen we ken 
pass news round by word o mouth. Eddication 
is fur th' scholar and not fer th' masses; eddi- 
cate th' nigger and he will grow sassy; I ken 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 57 

make my mark, an' I am satisfied, an Nathaniel 
cums in ter count th' gold o' trade; an wen I 
want knowledge I interview the advise of good 
Father St. Piere ; we catholics all love his grace, 
bless him" and the old gentleman crossed him- 
self and mumbled a prayer. 

This Nehemiah of America, leaned toward 
superstition, and he related some miracles with 
faith in their reality: his hearers listened to 
his buffoonery with good grace, and smiled at 
his prattle; "Yes siree, thet Draconian code 
war good, an th' chief justice of ' Missouri Su- 
preme Court' said well, wen he said; 'All clergy 
shall be spat upon, fur the citizens o' St. Louis 
ar' plumb tir'd o' bein' whipp'd in public fer 
cuttin' up, an' ordered ter apologize ter th' 
cloth fer this an' that; them's my sentiments 
too, axin yer pardon" and he guffawed loudly at 
his timely hint. "We good catholics love a sim- 
ple life with plenty o' blossom time, an' neow 
th' town hez grown ter be a big city like, I 
thinks th' path leadin' away fatherest frum it 
into th' fields an' woods are more to my likin' 
then th' paths thet lead ter th' city hall: an 



58 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

speakin' of th' city hall recollects me o' th' time 
Missouri was made a state, how splendiferous 
the eagle looked perched 'atop the Irish Harp ; 
th' people shouted themself hoarse, an th' nig- 
gers were glad they belong 'd ter Missouri. 

Th' poor trash grew 'ristocratic an bespoke 
thar minds, an ol Dave Barton let em run 
'Vaux Hall Garden,' overlooking th' constable. 
So Gabe Warner an Wherry let em hev thar 
way an even jined in with them. 

They tun'd "Th' Wearin 0' Th' Green" 
with great song an' Capt. Market made every 
man think he wuz an angel til all thar bons wuz 
gone, which ended many a bout. 

Yes siree ol' John Calhoun war right wen 
he said ' Slavery war right an a blessing in dis- 
guise;' fur it protects an it shelters the sheep- 
head niggers, who depend upon thar white mas- 
ters fur their keep : why th' nigger hez no mem- 
ory; yesterday an today is jest th' same ter 
them; thet Missouri Gazette is doin' a lot o' 
harm by talkin' too much an letin people know 
wot might be soon forgot. Soon it will do away 
wid th' flowin bowl; an stem terbacco an th' cob 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 59 

pipe is already bein sneer 'd at by gentry. Away 
wid th' press sez I an sez he." 

The old gentleman grew somewhat hazy at 
this period, from eating too much and drinking 
more than was good for him, so he fell into a 
slumber full of deep snores. 

Thus they left him, with wealth all around 
him, but holding no intrinsic value in times that 
were of trade and barter. The following day, 
the two Missionaries followed the footpath lead- 
ing to Reine Paul's monument, where they 
paused to chat with Judge Bent, whose daily 
duty was to examine the high water mark:" 
"This mark has caused the city to creep west- 
ward driving the crying Delawares and Shanees 
farther out from the city; their noise was un- 
bearable at sunrise; I hold this mark is the 
"Mark" of civilization." Going on to the Bap- 
tist Church, the two heard the brilliant Edward 
Bates holding a spell-bound audience ; Suddenly 
a young carter arose and with twitching muscles 
ran without, where he was found in the hard- 
ware store of Henry Shaw quivering with un- 
controlled emotion; "Oh if I could speak as 



60 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

he doeth, Oh! Oh!" Upon inquiry, Mr. Love- 
joy found he had no education, but desired 
it. "I canna go ter Quality Row" said he 
sniffling "fer I cart from morn til' night fer 
Augustus Chouteau, woe is me : My sire was a 
school-master in th' old country, but sez we 'urns 
must work ter support him here in America: 
A-las." 

He was greatly comforted when Mr. Love- 
joy told him he would tutor him: In time this 
carter became known as a most brilliant law- 
yer ; his name was Edward Baker. 

In those days, there was an expounder of 
law who was called Auditor of Public accounts ; 
his name was Wm. Christy who was modish in 
dress and was greatly imitated by the fops of 
the day, even to the daintily ruffled sleeves and 
the correctly tied bow that always seemed to 
stand upright in the middle of his back. 

Mr. Christy was a most courteous man, 
maintaining this manner even toward a pris- 
oner; "Will the accused come to the book," 
cried he. The accused shuffled along without 
fear, and when he stood near, made a feint at 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 61 

kissing the holy bible; then shamelessly smiled 
at the Judge: "Johnny Jones/' said Mr. Chris- 
ty : "do you solemnly swear to tell the truth and 
nothing but the truth, keep your hand on the 
book;" then in a stage whisper "You owe me 
one dollar, you know you do, pay me now." 

"How ken I, jedge, unless you let me free, 
ter kill hogs ; so help me God, Amen. ' ' So Wm. 
Christy ran over the lists of delinquent debters ; 
knowing once away from the Bible, there was 
little hope of pay from delinquents. 

But the delinquents never feared Wm. 
Christy, for he was of very easy nature, and a 
man to whom many were indebted. These par- 
ties never would settle their debts outside of 
the court-room. 



62 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

CHAPTER VII. 

"Behold hoiv many things, they witness against 
thee/'— Mark. 

Augustus Chouteau was one of the aristo- 
crats of early days : he was not alone a well 
balanced diplomat, but most hospitable to all 
regardless of station; the great Chief Black 
Hawk often stalked about his spacious grounds, 
garbed on such occasions in civilized dress, con- 
sisting of beruffled shirt and deerskin leggings, 
and carrying under his arm a volume of 
"Chitby's pleadings.' ' 

Black Hawk was a fine imitator, he would be 
a God ; he would as soon imbrue his hand in his 
patrons blood as sup with him which he often 
did. Lafayette was coming to America; and 
Black Hawk was eager to see the Apostle 
of Liberty when he made his initial trip to 
the West in 1825; hence he caused all his 
Braves to array themselves in flaming red blan- 
kets o'er topped with tarnished epaulettes, and 
carry bright red umbrellas ; this mighty collec- 
tion impressed Lafayette so, that he decided 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 63 

America was rapidly becoming civilized through 
the doorway of the open West; he never knew 
his advent had caused the city treasury to be 
examined and the discovery made, that it held 
just " Twenty-seven dollars.' ' 




When Lafayette Came to America. 

What to do, caused the city fathers a night's 
loss of sleep. " 'Twenty-seven dollars' to en- 
tertain the great Lafayette. How show him 
America appreciates the thousands that he 



«4 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

spent on her. Mayor Lane conferred with Gov. 
Bates ; and he decided the city treasury must be 
filled someway by the citizens. So every work- 
man advanced the price of his skill, and soon 
all knew the value of commerce : the friendly 
butcher stole Jodge Lucas ' cow and boldly of- 
fered the hind quarter to that gentleman for a 
gallon of whisky. The Missouri Gazette ran 
riot with news : ' ' While walking in his garden 
devising some way to entertain the "Apostle of 
Liberty," Editor Charles was deliberately shot 
at by a well known enemy ; ' ' Surely the way to 
heaven is as easy one way as another ; ' ' said the 
Editor, as he faced the hunter, who was well 
primed with corn whisky. "How I bless my 
stars I was born in the secretive east; Editor 
Charles now demands that Bob White pay his 
debt." 

"Whipping and slitting o* ears, ne'er makes 
a man ambitious, but a tax of a bushel o' corn 
will. The Father of Liberty must be fed; La- 
fayette sent the key of the bastile to George 
Washington, whose spirit still lives on, and 
might we advise "let sleepin' dogs lie." 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 65 

"The moss grows over the whipping post 
of late, but the cries of the Delawares still 
wakes up Lazy bones." 

The city showed sudden thrift in the way of 
brewing and stewing; cleaning without and 
within; a public library made its appearance, 
made up of promiscuous literature, mostly of 
Ben. Franklin's pithy points. 

Pierre Chouteau's mansion, and barouche 
drawn by snow white horses were in waiting for 
the great advent. 

Anticipation begat enthusiasm; and enthu- 
siasm begat fellowship. Northerners and South- 
erners vied in foolishness and dissipation; and 
no one complained when Cincinnatus left the 
plow and came to town to partake of political 
joy. 

Little wonder that Lafayette told Mr. Bar- 
thold that St. Louis seemed seated in the lap 
of luxury, and "how I would like to see Henry 
Clay in the presidential chair." 

This remark greatly pleased the citizens, 
and they grew as gleeful as children, setting 
about to form a political caucus immediately. 



66 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

The Indians, at this point shed their garb of 
civilization and fled perfidiously to the woods. 

The great event over, depression followed, 
causing wise acres to salt their own pork and 
lye their own hominy, for all larders were 
empty. Political graft stalked abroad, and 
scattered its weed in Missouri where it took 
seed. 

Working at his furnace nightly, Friend 
Pruine talked to his roaring fire, hoping that 
his helper Peter would hear. 

" Lafayette be a great man, an' a thinker; 
and sich men are rulers: I'm doin' a bit o' 
thinkin myself these days;" poking hard at the 
pesky coals u anl dew say I can argue with the 
best o' them. Peter I say Peter dye ye hear 
me." 

"I hears ye sir" rejoined Peter meekly. 

"An wot's ye axin me ter do sir." 

' ' Dye see yon flames leapin higher n ' higher, 
cause I poked em. Wen I went ter school two 
months, I read in th' copy book these words 
'Obey thy best thoughts'. 

I've been thinkin as how General Ashley wuz 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 67 

elected ter th' senate ez president an 'lowed 
hisn thoughts ter run continually on gettin Wm. 
Stone's money fer his own, instead o giv'in it 
ter America; and neow th' question arises how 
ken weuns get money ter power, tendin ter fur- 
naces: an' burnin' lime an occasional makin' o' 
leathern buckets? 

Peter your master must get into politics; 
an you must be my Apostle, you must mouth it 
around and tell o' my power o' speakin. " 

Peter was quite overcome with the honor 
thrust upon him and remained silent so long, 
that his master feared something was amiss; 
"Peter he cried, ' Peter wake up and tend th' 
coals'." "I wuz only thinkin' myself" an- 
swered Peter. 

"I am a great man Peter." 

"You ar sir" parroted Peter. 

"Wen shill I start spoutin sir." 

"Tomorrow morn' Peter as thee goes home, 
speak ter Rey the blacksmith ez he hez much 
showin' with th' people : then ter' Anderson th' 
bricklayer, who's buildin' summit; they'll bawl 



68 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

it 'round ter th' boatmen, ez drifts in ter spree 
with the hunters thet trail th' state. 

I say Peter, wen I am Jedge, I'll make laws 
an thee shall be a real key bearer fur me an' 
mine jack o' lantern.' ' 

Peter found it huge joy to spout about Pru- 
ine the lime-burner, who in time became a 
judge and moved to Quality Hill with his 
friends Key, the blacksmith and Anderson, the 
bricklayer as neighbors! while near by resided 
one Ferguson, who aspired to rise from a lowdy 
state into becoming a Judge also. 

Pruine, the Judge, harped well on one law, 
that every two story house should possess two 
leathern buckets, in case of sudden fire ; Pruine 
furnished these leathern buckets through Peter ; 
need more be said. The General store of "Hus- 
kinson and Hunt" was the center of many a 
political caucus ; here'f armers gathered from Ca- 
hokia, with their carrots of tobacco and shaved 
deer, and boatmen, with knotted kerchiefs, par- 
leyed with belligerent butchers, about the kill- 
ing of beef, until votes and prices raced toward 
some goal and when the promised land was 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 69 

finally reached "I told you so, why didn't ye 
listen me" was boldly flaunted before the loser, 
who lost remembrance of every failure in a huge 
carouse with Charters who bawled ' ' Six bits th ' 
less fer Merry wid th' wild cherry." 

Good Dr. Sanguine, whose name was a syn- 
onym of his nature; remarked sagely; "Well 
do I remember the two new judges, when they 
first came to * Paine Court' from the American 
Bottoms, so marked with mosquito bites, that I 
nigh thought their 's was a case of Cow Pox at 
least until I found out whence they had drifted ; 
i Saracens or the pesky mosquito' " I said: 
"May they not make a che-root o' th' law, and 
compel people to smoke it ; for both are power- 
ful arguers; even Luke Lawless' flowery rhet- 
oric cannot convince the people that St. Louis 
ought to have a well built jail, a large court- 
house and an almshouse to house lazy bones 
who refuse to work for themselves or families." 

So spoke the good leech often on his jour- 
neys to and fro, patting the rich on the back 
and pocketbook similtaneously, smiling helpful- 
ly on poor and saying indulgently to the medi- 



70 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

cine man. ' ' Your herbs are fine for tonicing the 
well ; but in time of sickness, naught but a lancet 
will release bad blood, and free the arteries 
from clogging." 

The West was thoroughly aware that there 
was great profit in the traffic of human flesh, 
which had now become a national evil so well 
was it instituted. 

So great grew this depravity, that God seem- 
ed to veil his face from sight of earth; but he 
sent a message into one heart that was an 
electric whispering: "He that over-cometh, 
shall inherit all things, go thou and prepare 
the way. ' ' 

Mr. Love joy was cognizant that politics and 
religion could not metalize into concrete form ; a 
message must be carried to the unthinking pub- 
lic, who never read news but heard it. 

The press is ever an instrument of reforma- 
tion and in time, like the constant dripping on a 
stone, it will groove its way into the core of the 
universe. 

He determined to use collateral information, 
gleaned from many points as special data when 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 71 

the time seemed most ripe, and to delineate a 
pathway leading toward the emancipation of 
the negro. 

He was a close friend of Judge Peck and 
often admired a peculiar habit effected by 
that gentleman, when seeking the court room; 
"These are tmies that try men's soul" explain- 
ed the Judge significantly pointing out some 
loathsome sight and bandaging his eyes: "un- 
less the people rise from the depths into a 
christian life, degeneration will surely come; 
Oh my soul, why art thou disgusted within me. 

This is the main question of life, upon which 
all subsidiary points hang ; people must be edu- 
cated not through debate mouthed too often 
by ignorant people, but through the newspapers, 
that will fearlessly investigate all sides without 
fear of reproach or calumny:" "Thus speaks 
the statesman, who should neither be a coward 
nor yet a poltroon" replied Mr. Lovejoy, who 
knew many citizens called the learned Judge's 
peculiar habit a "Joke," little knowing that it 
might better be designated as a trenchant blade 
of ball and dagger. Much like Henry Clay or 



72 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

Dan'l Webster, Judge Peek perf erred not to see 
the far off horizon, whence came so many un- 
desirable emigrants seeking a promised land, 
and seeking his advise in land grants; at such 
times the kerchief was slipped aside for a mo- 
ment to ascertain the correct title and legalize 
it, using as much discretion as a Spartan at 
Thermopylae. 

"Oh my soul" sighed he to Mr. Love joy, 
"Why art thou disgusted within me. These 
sleeping stones fixed in their beds of lime are 
but disabled. But, "throwing aside his ker- 
chief and showing a pair of brightly alert 
eyes, "let us review the 'Lycurgus' of St. Louis, 
David HilPs famous regiment, whom he calls 
the wall of the city, every man of whom is a 
brick.' > 

The two found the little Captain garbed in 
yellow waistcoat and wearing purple glasses, 
drilling a squad of amateur soldiers clad in long 
tailed coats, short jackets or round-abouts, each 
of whom carried sticks, broom handles, or um- 
brellas, ad libitum. On seeing the two, the little 
Captain stopped manoeuvres and hastened to 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 73 

them; " Judge Peck:" said he deferentially, "I 
would have you examine Jim Fisk's oxmill and 
pass judgment thereon, so that at next court, 
I can convince Henry Geyer that my invention 
upon which I have been working for nigh 
twenty odd years is nearing perfection ; in order 
that he may know that I am the inventor of 
i Perpetual Motion;' Yes sir the fifth wheel to a 
watch declares that is the secret ; I will get even 
balance yet. I must argue that fact with Henry 
in court whether 'tis or 'tisn't." 

Judge Peck discreetly kept the two enemies 
apart be it said, only telling Josh Barton to 
keep memorandum of a date which he never 
filled, save by a pinch of snuff. 

Judge Peck always looked to Henry Dodge 
to open court, and Judge Lucas to represent 
the people; at such times a wrangle began be- 
tween Luke Lawless and Lucas, ending only by 
Judge Peck reminding the former that "fugi- 
tives irish rebels sent to the frontiers should 
not be considered part and parcel of honorable 
men who came to America at the invitation of 
Dr. Franklin.' ' 



74 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

The target found its mark and Lawless re- 
torting was promptly suspended with bitter 
rage tearing at his heart. 

In the interval of that day's wrangle, a crier 
announced that Henry Clay was coming; and 
the court discontinued work temporarily to hear 
the news. 

"A tout cavalier, tout honuour cake baked 
with four beans within, a new sconce, fresh tal- 
lowed walnut floors rubbed to shining black- 
ness and above all, white-wash within and with- 
out was the general order given to do honor to 
the Mill Boy 0' The Slashes. 

He came in due time, as travel was most un- 
certain in those days and the tin buffalo sign 
hung o'er the Missouri Hotel fairly rattled its 
sides with joy; for Henry Clay understood his 
audience and labored as a master at his forge : 
when pleas failed to gain applause which signi- 
fied approval, the Orator used threats, but in 
jocular manner, until the emotional audience 
either howeled or wept. 

Henry Clay used his dulcet voice with pur- 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 75 

pose; "The gates of Cahokia stand wide open, 
it is on Illinois soil. The emigrant crosses over 
to Missouri, where the soil is the same but cul- 
ture different. Here the rights of humanity 
are biased perchance; American citizens you 
have all equal rights, it is so written in the con- 
stitution; why not heed them. Some time not 
far distant there will come a Liberator, who will 
take up the white man 's burden with impunity. : ' 
"Who is he?" and the whisper passed around: 
"Who is he, what does he mean." The Boni- 
faces without hearing the silence began such a 
terrific tirade that Hez King shouted to Warren 
Ayres: "Quell thy fellows, their intellect is 
as small as their appetite is large. ' ' 

"They are only from Bull Head" answered 
Mark Laclue to Wm. Savage. They are citizens 
nevertheless, and only differ in lack of know- 
ledge more than station." 

But to Henry Clay's observant eye, these 
people represented "intolerance," who needed 
the search light of the press to sight them. 

Archibal Gamble was confided in: "After 
the tempest, when the wind is laid, a rainbow 



76 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

bows the sky ; a press, that is not afraid, must 
be established, that will espouse all good 
causes and St. Louis shall be known as a city of 
moral desire.' ' 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 77 

CHAPTER VIII. 

4 'Still often does the lineal race in darkness find 
a divelling place." — Byron. 
The Bible teaches everywhere that dignity 
and worth makes man Ruler of mankind ; where- 
as abandonment of sin creates a trust, that can 
never be broken. 

Thistles though cultivated still remain this- 
tles, but flesh alone is redeemed by cultivation. 

Ministerial work is therefore of intrinsic 
value in the writing of an Epoch. 

The early French-Americans of St. Louis 
were yoked to Rome, or had some equivalent as 
their religion. 

Father Gibault bettered many a citizen or 
held in restraint those whose ambitions sought 
advancement through evil ways : for many men 
painted those strenuous days in unnecessary 
blood, toning its color by hell-fire. 

Then as even now, men sought to escape 
punishment through money, and children born 
amid such environment reeked in an atmos- 



78 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

phere of cajolery and soon become evil through 
choice: in turn they produced their kind. 

Mr. Love joy's educative eye beheld this 
" Curse " stalking nakedly about, rejoicing and 
holding in its grasp countless thousands. 

About this time the East was pulsating with 
heart-throbs; something must be done to ex- 
punge slavery from the fair brow of the West. 

Returning East with a burning desire to ob- 
tain instruction as how best to proceed, Mr. 
Lovejoy joined hands with Lloyd Garrison and 
then returned West with an obvious means of 
venture. 

The gospel must be spread through the 
press, to prove and hold fast that which is good 
in the sight of God. It must warn of evil, sup- 
port the weak and be just to all men. It was 
therefore with this breatsplate of faith and love 
that Mr. Lovejoy was spoken of as the anointed. 

Surely the "Rock of Salvation" is Hope, 
and that ever brings assurance to mankind. 

Feeling that his work should meet with gen- 
eral approval, Mr. Lovejoy established the 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 79 

newspaper called the "Observer." It was quite 
small and modest in appearance, but earnest in 
its purpose. It reflected truth in no small de- 
gree. 

It looked back upon the Eeformation thus: 
1 'Three hundred years ago, freedom of speech 
was a seeming myth, used by no one ; then light 
dawned, viz.; Kings had been bound to their 
Cardinals, Nobles were fettered with the irons 
of superstition, until they grew into palsied 
wretches, treasuring pathetic relics of every 
hue and name, hoping thus to gain eternal 
salvation. Emperor, King, Prince, Peer were 
ail chained to the foot-stool of Rome and moral, 
political and social destitution became most 
foul. Bigotry had caused feudalism, it had 
sought America, the 'land of the free'." 

This daring beginning caused cynics to rub 
their eyes in wonder and sneer at such untimely 
talk. 

Hoping for the support of many staunch 
citizens, the Editor then sought the camp meet- 
tings around Apple Creek and Potosi; to his 
surprise he found a spokesman there, in a Mr. 



80 THE FIFTH SEAL 

Potts, who had hitherto been a bright light 
among religious circles. 

"You are making a grievous error, Mr. 
Love joy, in hitting at the good Catholics of your 
city. You are causing a black cloud to rise 
upon your future horizon.' ' 

"My cause is just," replied Mr. Lovejoy. 

"It may be so, but the citizens are quite 
vexed; they are not knights of a golden horse- 
shoe; they are land hungry; it has not been so 
long since they listened to the tales of the fabu- 
lent Friar Hennepan, who prophesied that the 
Louisiana purchase was a golden certainty for 
all who would taste of political joy. Pity, in- 
deed, that the Missouri Compromise did not 
extend to the Pacific Ocean, in order to quell the 
secret South into silence. " 

"It beseeches the constitution to extend its 
revenue. ' ' 

"But not for amusement," suggested Mr. 
Potts, knowingly. "Are you a man suited to 
take up disseminations of this character!" 

"I am a man suited for the times, even as 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 81 

was Paul and Barnabas for dissertation. I am 
not a politician, I seek to dispel that idea; I 
would make the Observer a touch-stone of re- 
demption, a touch-stone that casts away all 
drift-wood. ' ' 

The Observer wrote again: 

"The church is a center of gravity, and 
Rome is the head and soul of a confederacy that 
has in it the mob cry. The masses of France 
were once kept in dense ignorance, until military 
prowess, with its skill and inquiry, liberated 
them; then it was that Nobles, Statesmen, 
Leaders, Prelates realized the Gauls to be of 
most fiery nature. Did the Napoleonic war of 
opinion destroy or impede the march of relig- 
ion toward its freedom?" 

Thus somewhat rashly had the Observer 
showed the dragon's teeth of discord during 
its early life; perhaps it was but a religious 
test, for Mr. Love joy believed with John 
Adams of 1780 that habits are ever formed not 
made. 

Again the Observer portrayed a most vivid 
picture of a flying negro hotly pursued by an 



82 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

irate and drunken master with his hounds. In 
front was a haven of hope, perhaps death — 
the deeply flowing Mississippi River. 

The frightened negro hoped thus to escape ; 
but he was weakened from flight and presently 
fell prone upon the levee, a helpless victim to 
the sharp blacksnake whip which his master 
carried; here he remained too weak to arise, 
but beheld his master building a pyre around 
him. "Kill me, Master, kill me," he moaned, 
despairingly. Soon cruel flames rose about his 
emaciated form burning with unrelenting 
fierceness, until it finally sapped his life and 
naught remained but a charred body and black- 
ened skull; this the drunken master kicked 
aside for hockey players. 

"He is an example,' ' said he, with much 
profanity, "of a Virginia nigger." 

"Yes," continued the Observer, sententi- 
ously ; ' ' only a negro, to whom Virginia denied 
the Bible; only a negro owned by a modern 
Nero, who refused a cup of cold water to re- 
lieve the parched lips, cracked and bleeding in 
death, lips that framed a prayer of hope. This 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 83 

circumstance but cites that the sesame of Mis- 
souri is ' Slavery, ' in its most hideous form. ' ' 

Having thrown the search-light upon this 
episode, Hez King, Wm. Savage and John Kerr 
roundly berated Sheriff Brotherton for going 
hunting and leaving no power of authority 
behind. 

The incident had pretty well blown over 
when the Sheriff returned home so he was not in 
the least worried. 

"I 'lowed Gab Warner ought ter tended ter 
th' law; though I 'low thet every man hez a 
right ter destroy his property; or th' master 
should pay th' law in gold mayhaps. Seein' it 
is all over now, I kant see ez heow I ken intrude 
on hisn privacy." 

So saying, the Sheriff filled the pipe of Jus- 
tice Walsh with stem tobacco, remarking as an 
example of excuse : 

"You know I hev corn in my garden fifteen 
feet high, with sunshine and slaves ter husk it 
down ; I impress them ez how it is for their food 
an' hev no trouble whatever; an', sir, believe 
or not, next door is the garden of Seth Brown 



84 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

ez dry ez a board, growm' nothing but weeds; 
slaves ar' a prime necessity in domestic living. 
I 'low ez th' Observer is floatin' along on a dan- 
gerous journey, w'en it attacks respectable 
people/ ' 

Soon after this episode, it behooved Luke 
Lawless to visit Mr. Love joy. 

Now, Mr. Lawless was reared under the 
doctrine of St. Omer, whence so many priests 
sprang. This gentleman felt the time had come 
to renew his oath of allegiance again to Amer- 
ica, since many weighty affairs were approach- 
ing their ultimatum. 

The loafers around the store of Huskinson 
and Hunt took notice that the lawyer with 
sharp-beaked visage was going in the direction 
of Mr. Lovejoy's home and his manner seemed 
most aggressive. 

"It is a case of eat or be eaten," said they 
intuitively. "Little wonder Judge Lucas feels 
his flesh creep when he is near him, for behind 
Lawless stands the shade of his dead son, 
Charles Lucas." 

"Paine Court lives still," declared the 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 85 

white-haired Van Bibbler to his friend, Ben 
Provenchere, who was busy whittling never 
ending rubber rings for his friends as gifts. 

"I started to whittle these rings that June 
day, 1820, while waiting for the constitution to 
be formed, they still keep me from rheumatics, ' ' 
he laughed; "an* of all th' frolics that day, 
with round-heads; their careless ways were 
ignoble, an' marked them plainly as just inden- 
tured slaves too, though of white color. They 
looked to the church for good advice, and payed 
all their debts with young and growing negroes. 
The servile people will always think the negroes 
a stigma upon their own labor; for they call 
them the beasts of th' field, saying their Bible 
tells them so ; and the poor white trash are the 
cattle.' ' 

Perchance these gentlemen looked upon Mr. 
Lovejoy as a Paul in tribulation, for seeking 
the truine of life in the rule of Garrison Phillips 
and Kitchener. Because forty-eight slave ves- 
sels from the coast of Africa had come to 
America with human traffic, should slavery be- 
come an institution in the west? 



86 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

Judge Peck hurried to warn his friend, 
"Beware of the public anger, Mr. Love joy. 
The Mayor has appointed eighty-three men to 
report the names of all abolitionists and rumor 
has it, all suspects will be lynched. " 

"I am not an abolitionist, ' ' replied Mr. 
Love joy, feelingly, "I am an Emancipationist." 

Nevertheless, the Editor found his house 
placarded with obscene pictures and every edi- 
tion of the Observer was heralded with jeers. 

It was after such insults, that Mr. Love joy 
once more found Luke Lawless leaning on 
his gate in nonchalant mood. The day had 
been harassing and the Editor was weary; his 
foot crushed a jimson weed growing in his path- 
way and unconsciously he stooped to pull it up. 

"It is too tenacious, Mr. Lovejoy," said the 
suave voice of Lawless, though he smiled con- 
temptuously enough. 

"I never let such seed grow," answered the 
calm voice of Mr. Love joy. 

' ' Still obnoxious weeds stain the hands, why 
not pick flowers instead; Mr. Lovejoy, you are 
a politician and will have an assured living, if 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 87 

you but put a little more cord around your 
whip handle; when you were an organ of the 
St. Louis Times you tasted of the joys of polit- 
ical insight; but the proprietors muzzled you; 
they used their paper only as a Beacon Light.' ' 

Luke Lawless was crafty by nature and all 
men rather feared him; he was a well-poised 
man mentally, and quite fearless as to chance. 

"Editor, you are quite as adept at building 
bridges and like any modern Caesar of today 
you hope to eventually stem the current of pub- 
lic opinion by creating chimera for the young 
and finding periwinkles for the old. But Caesar 
died ere he accomplished his purpose ; hence do 
not attempt to build a tower of Babel.' ' 

"I am not attempting an impossibility 
Luke Lawless, for there is only one religion on 
earth; it is that of right living;" as he spoke 
these last words, Mr. Lovejoy's hand touched a 
letter he had received that day from Uncle 
George, which read: "After years of patient 
wating, I have built my sea wall, so my life has 
not been in vain ; for God gave me each day my 
daily work." 



88 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

With such an assurance in his heart, was it 
little wonder that Mr. Lovejoy whispered rev- 
erently, "God is still in the heaven and airs 
well with the world. ' ' 

At these words Luke Lawless grew purple 
with rage; from his eyes there glanced a fierce 
glint not unlike the look of a wild boar. 

In Mr. Lovejoy J s ecstatic mood, he presented 
to his antagonist the picture of the burning 
bush of Horeb. Therefore it was not at all 
shocking when a fierce imprecation burst from 
the lawyer's lips. 

"I thought to bring you a message,' ' said 
the latter, pulling himself together sullenly; 
"But you would fain be a Coriolanus and storm 
the Volscii ; so be it, ' ' he turned sharply away ; 
but not before he saw the rays of the setting 
sun circle the head of the Editor with a flaming 
halo. 

Was the Editor a radical because he dared 
to do right! 

Did he disregard the fact that many fingers 
were thumbing the string of hatred against him 
and his course? Chas. Hammond declared in 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 89 

the Cincinnati Gazette that an abolitionist was 
just a fanatic. Was he one ? No. He was but 
a soldier of the cross espoused to a Christian 
cause. He was an Emancipationist, and this 
name signified equal rights, justice; harken to 
the cries of tortured slaves, the shrieks of young 
children calling to their lonely hearth-stones; 
in His own way, God had heard, and He ap- 
pointed Elijah Lovejoy to be his messenger. 

What if the scimetar of Saladin was sharp- 
ening, the Observer must go on, since it had 
begun the crusade. 

Filled with the greatest alarm, Mr. Potts 
once more approached Mr. Lovejoy: 

"This city is full of tar barrels; Southern 
movement is at the bottom of it all. Repub- 
licans are urged to be neutral and not favor 
emigration. Popular feeling will influence all 
politics. Read what the New York Courier and 
Enquirer says, 'They will champion the major- 
ity/ .and 'We will perpetuate the wishes of the 
citizens.' Listen to the discordant Observer, 
Pshaw: it would depopulate St. Louis \" 

To this, Mr. Lovejoy made reply: "I will 



90 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

not yield to any resolutions presented by 
Christian Editors, who declare that slavery was 
sanctioned by the scriptures; I do not wish to 
offend, but I maintain my rights to defend a 
truth." 

About this time, Mr. Lovejoy felt the hot 
breath of mob-law fanning his cheek. 

' ' Why act contrary to the synod ! ' ' asked the 
earnest Mr. Potts. "There are many in the 
church that will declare you are turning society 
upside down, by declaring that black is white. ' ' 

The Observer only answered thus: "Slavery 
is paralyzing the energies of the white people. 
It is dwarfing property, civilization, education. 
Missouri will be a wonderfully favored state, 
once slavery is removed, for hidden in its soil 
is untold wealth waiting to be mined; remove 
from its brow the crown of Cyprus and replace 
thereon the oak. Morally and religiously slav- 
ery is a social evil. 

Gradual emancipation is its only remedy; 
read the laws of the prophets: 'All things 
whatsoever ye would, that man do to you, do ye 
even so to him. ' Slavery is a system ; rights of 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 91 

husband and wife are abolished at the caprice 
of a master, nameless pollutions are enacted. 
In the words of the Patriarch I too cry: "Oh 
my soul come not into their secrets; into their 
assembly mine honor be not united.' ' 

Such, indeed, were the principles of the 
Observer, basing its rights strictly upon the 
constitution, found in the sixteenth section of 
Article 13 : 

i l Free communication of thoughts and opin- 
ions are invaluable rights of man, and every 
person may freely speak, write and print on 
any subject being responsible for any abuse of 
that liberty.' ' 

The Observer later on inquired: "Who 
was the Christian elder that flogged his slave 
to death a fortnight ago? Does the Editor 
stand under that suspended whip through sta- 
bility of opinion? The Observer does not want 
Catholic votes, but the Argus does and also the 
Republic." 

About this time, the citizens at large were 
thoroughly incensed; a call was issued for the 
Hurrah Boys to raze the office of the Observer. 



92 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

"It is a modern Pharlasis," cried Luke 
Lawless. 

To this the Observer made its characteristic 
reply: "The Observer does not seek its fate 
within the brazen bull of invention ; it speaks as 
did Polypharius to Ulyssis, ' Beware of being 
the last to be devoured. ' " 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 93 

CHAPTER IX. 

"Fear not, I will uphold thee with the right 
hand of righteousness" — Isaiah. 

In all records of the West at this time, Na- 
tional Law seemed to be kaleidescopic in effect ; 
profiteering was an open question that scoffed 
at the virtue of wisdom. The borderland 
quarrel between Benton and Jackson was then 
raging; the latter advocated that cheap land 
was to be held for settlers. The Times adver- 
tised this political strife with great satisfac- 
tion, while the New York Courier and Inquir- 
er, (one-time champions of Catholicism) started 
a bitter tirade against it. Added to all this 
agitation, the stench of slavery filled the nostrils 
of America. 

Twenty staunch citizens met with the May- 
or; Mr. Benton and Mr. Barton challenged the 
people. 

"But," cried Mayor Carr, "How shall St. 
Louis get rid of Slavery without great loss to 
the owners ? Shall we print resolutions or scat- 
ter circulars during election! Henry Clay de- 



94 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

clares we must save the union; the South, the 
East, the West are superior in men and means ; 
Congress is using strenuous methods to prevent 
secession of southern delegates, for it does not 
want to act separately. The time is drawing 
nearer yet nearer for emancipation to do won- 
ders for Missouri; truly the situation is per- 
plexing. ' ' 

News of this meeting soon spread, and 
caused considerable jingle: 
"Fighting is bravery, while silence means 

knavery ; 
Quarreling is savory, for Missouri loves slav- 
ery. ' ' 

Then it was, that the Observer bugled forth 
again: "The pioneers favor the Jesuits with 
passing puns, as soon forgotten as read; but 
Truth never dies, for its teeth are a sharp 
threshing instrument, that crushes even 
mountains and beats them small. Then shall 
a whirl-wind carry them away, and the Lord 
will rejoice in the glory of a just cause.' ' 

There followed a plain exposure of the evils 
existing in convents and monasteries. Popish 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 95 

altars were roundly abused and the Jesuits of 
the wilderness spoken of as naught but political 
spies. 

The Catholics read this tirade with an 
amazement, that sprang into blazing anger. 

The proprietors of the Observer hastened in 
the greatest alarm to the daring Editor and in 
their consternation, offered to settle all debts 
and take the paper off his hands entirely. 

"You have used the Observer as a flaming 
torch to scorch the people ; the Hurrah Boys are 
invincible foes, you may be mobbed any mo- 
ment." 

"My paper is but an edge of flame, for the 
work will never stop whether I go or stay. ' ' 

Nevertheless, Mr. Lovejoy sought out Mr. 
Moore privately, saying, "God's hand is now on 
the helm, shall the ship pass onV 

Mr. Moore knew Mr. Lovejoy was most anx- 
ious to remain, for he was about to marry the 
lovely Miss French, who believed as he did in 
the rights of humanity. 

The Observer, too, had a large circulation; 
it had not really produced the cause of agita- 



96 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

tion; Mr. Lovejoy was but a modern Cicero in 
declaring that in the constitution was found a 
perpetual republic. 

Did he wish to remain amid danger and 
still go on? 

"It is a war of opinions,' ' answered Mr. 
Lovejoy with confident truth of approval; 
4 ' God's infinite wisdom bids me stay." 

' ' Then be of good cheer, Editor ; but I warn 
you be cautious," replied Mr. Gamble, who 
acquiesced in this great cause. "You are one 
of the faithful few that walk the land." 

"That I may walk with Him," concluded 
Mr. Lovejoy, fervently. "If the constitution 
opened the way for future abolition of slavery, 
then has truth but declared itself." 

So it was, that the Observer continued on its 
mission but with this result; citizens began 
to carry open weapons and tread softly, while 
their smile resembled the grin of an hyena, for 
bargain and corruption ran rampant among 
them. 

Public office often generates a jimson weed. 
Many said with bated breath, that Henry Clay, 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 97 

with all Iris generous impulses, was really 
an accomplice of Aaron Burr. 

The Observer 7 however, spoke very broadly 
of Henry Clay, declaring the Father of the Mis- 
souri Compromise was like the sweet kernel of 
the nut ; and it also hinted at jealousy. 

"But what is the essence of the Missouri 
Compromise, " asked curious citizens, keenly 
alert to misnomer. "There shall be neither 
slavery nor voluntary servitude beyond the 
southern boundary." 

"But our cotton fields, our rice fields, who 
will work them ! No white man surely will take 
upon himself the labor of a slave.' ' 

"It came from a feudal compact and so must 
be." 

"Will not claws and teeth once more place 
Andrew Jackson in the presidential chair ; even 
as he broke into the Floridasf He was a vic- 
torious general then, and his case was not unlike 
that of a recent director of a liquidated Bank 
of Missouri who gained his goal of Senate as a 
flower of the field. Time will however make 
Thos. Benton the preference of the West; for 



98 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

despite his bigotry, Old Bullion commands much 
respect, because of his great geographical 
achievements and geological endeavors." 

Standing under the limelight of exposure, 
Henry Clay began to fully realize that readable 
material was a mighty essential to further his 
motives ; he was a statesman, who knew the in- 
trinsic value of the Press. 

"The Press, will tell all!" said he. 

"The commonwealth advocates gradual 
emancipation, such as Wm. Penn, the benevo- 
lent, asked; who are the citizens that would 
retain border life, buckskin fringes and powder 
horn for defense? Did not the treaty of 1818 
give much land to the white people! Did not 
the Indians of the Mississippi Valley conclude 
their treaty by accepting a few thousand dollars 
in merchandise, and the right to hunt and fish on 
lands farther west. Ninian Edwards and Au- 
gustus Chouteau had the power as United 
States commissioners to meet all contingen- 
cies. Was it but a substitute found for negro 
slavery?" 

This voice called over to Illinois, and caused 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 99 

a republican newspaper to call a convention to 
amend the constitution, if needs be; it also 
suggested that a slave be supplied as a speci- 
men from the midst of slavery to prove that 
the master was a man of generous senti- 
ments. It is needless to say this suggestion 
failed in intent. 

The acrimonious Observer was openly 
threatened; much obsecene literature was 
thrown around the city by those incensed ; in a 
short time the office of the Observer was com- 
pletely razed and the Editor forced to flee over 
into Illinois with his family, for safety. Foot- 
sore and weary, they tarried far out in the coun- 
try at the house of Major Sibleys, until the lit- 
tle boat for Alton came along. 

"Alas ! My good people, the saloon thug, the 
sand bagger, the vilest men have freedom of the 
vote, but not so, the low-browed and ignorant 
son of Africa," sighed the persecuted Editor. 



100 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

CHAPTER X. 

il TLe spake to them in a cloudy pilloiv, and they 
kept his ordinance." — Psalms. 

When Congress secured to the settlers of 
Virginia, deeds of cession as a slave-holding 
county in 1737, the legislature passed a law of 
qualified introduction of slavery into Illinois 
and Indiana. Many emigrants drifted over the 
national trail, carrying along much profitable 
baggage called indentured slaves, all of whom 
held certificates of freedom; as an example of 
humanitarianism, Illinois fined all delinquents 
$500, if registration had not been complied with. 
The year 1824 showed that the will of the people 
wanted to expel slavery from the broad prairies 
of Illinois, adding aside that the slave was a 
most valuable adjunct however in the salt mines 
of the southern part of the state. 

Though there lived at this time a pious man 
of magnificent strength and of great enduring 
qualities, by the name of Peter Cartright, itin- 
erant circuit rider, yet, beyond preaching to the 
masses to save souls, this religious man busied 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 101 

himself only in his mission, viz., that of rescuing 
persecuted pilgrims afflicted with the " Jerks' ' 
and in extemporizing with the Lollard robe of 
red. Did Peter Cartright lift his voice in 
slavery's cause? 

The year, 1818, had passed with its wild-cat 
schemes, spoken of as the Will of the People, 
but boot-legging and kidnapping remained with 
a large scope of territory. 

Finally a well-known lawyer threatened the 
settlers by dangling the Black Laws and round- 
ly denounced Ninian Edwards as the Juggler 
behind the throne, who had long considered that 
General Jackson had really no just grounds in 
considering the dissatisfied case of Calhoun. 

Ninian Edwards was not, however, averse to 
revising the State Constitution, and strongly 
urged a convention, until finally the streets of 
Vandalia rang out this cry; "Convention or 
death." 

Then it was, that mincing steps turned into 
manly strides, for Illinois might yet wear a garb 
of national issue ; many a man put his shoulder 
to his wheel with a law all his own: for they 



102 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

would not toss the freedom of their birth into 
air. There were many things witnessed against 
the laxity of legal rights. 

Hence it was "Convention or death/ ' The 
cry ran like wildfire throughout the state. Party 
cries soon caused incendiarism and it was not 
long ere the State House at Vandalia became a 
flaming torch, indicating again, ' ' the will of the 
people. ' ' 



Once known by the Indian name of Ouatogo, 
near-by Alton, representing a thriving popula- 
tion, vied with St. Louis in an anticipated 
growth of population. 

This town was situated on the north bank of 
the Father of Waters and was about twenty-one 
miles distant from St. Louis. It was platted out 
with a river view that was unsurpassed in its 
beauty; in its salad days, Alton, instead of 
streets, had many circuitous paths leading to a 
centre called the Market House, situated on a 
high hill, leading from the river. 

Many celebrities met at this given point; 
here, too, many rustlers and idlers passed 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 



103 



through without object, save to see one another, 
or to appoint some other place of meeting, per- 
chance far out in the country within some hid- 
den cavern hung with crystal stalactites or 
reeking with calcareous stalagmites. 




THE PIASA BIRD. 

Actually Pictographed on the Lime-Stone Bluffs at Alton 

(Illinois) as late as 1837. 

Limestone bluffs protected this town on the 
south. In the diary of Captain Eaton is found 
this note : "On the limestone bluff o'erhanging 
the highest point of the Mississippi is painted a 
picture of a huge man-eating bird known to the 



104 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

Indians as the 'Piasa Bird/ It is a fierce-look- 
ing dragon, with the face of a man, claws or 
talons of a vulture and an immense and power- 
ful tail that wraps around its scaled body with a 
murderous strength. It is painted in red, green 
and yellow, and no doubt was a map and chart 
of the ancient wandering Indians who infested 
this point, when Ouatogo was Chief, and whom 
tradition says offered himself as sacrifice for his 
tribe in order to exterminate this bird that had 
its eyrie high above the reach of man and lived 
on human fiesh. Its screech preluding its swoop, 
turned its prey, through fear, into an inanimate 
being. Such runs the tale in this year 1837." 

This tradition existed long before the power- 
ful Miami had formed a confederacy and named 
themselves "Illim," meaning, "We are men, 
not dogs." 

So Alton, like all notable villages, had its 
tradition, springing from the myth of a Chinese 
dragon, when that part of the country was in- 
habited by the children of nature called the 
Indians. 

Will history finally declare the Indians to be 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 105 

one of the ten lost tribes of Israel, who cross- 
ing over "Behring Island," when it joined 
America and Asia, populated ancient America? 
In proof of which, behold their burnt offerings, 
their religious rites, their Ark of Covenant car- 
ried to war, their seclusion of males at certain 
times of year, all of which indicates a Jewish 
origin. For "Behold they went to the far East, 
where man's foot had never trod. ,y 

Excavations around Alton today indicate it 
to be as ancient as Cahokia in geological relics. 
Its glorious hills remind one of Psalms 121 — 
first verse: "I will lift up mine eyes unto the 
hills, from whence cometh my help. ' ' 

It was to this beautious town therefore, that 
the Editor of the Observer came with most 
anxious heart, knowing that Ninian Edwards, 
the Governor had legalized free schools there. 
St. Louis was fearing that this alone would 
place education on a high pedestal in Illinois, 
and thus help politics in no small degree. 

Was it a hazardous step for Mr. Lovejoy 
to go into a state nearby that was just knock- 
ing at the door of knowledge? Or was it that 



106 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

risk men will take in public life, that so often 
leads to stultification of some kind not met with 
elsewhere ! 

Doubtless it was his mordant nature that 
kept the Editor near his vantage ground, Mis- 
souri. 

As the steamboat Palmyra neared Alton on 
his initial trip, Mr. Love joy found himself in 
the vicinity of the village gossip, who declared 
himself a recent convert to Christianity. 

"I kenna get o'er the chat o' th' town; an' 
seein' you be new to our mixture o' people, I'd 
lik' fur ter say, thar be many a shearer o' sheep 
in our flock. Thar be yon Leech standin' near 
th' prow; he's full o' brimstun an' hell fire et 
times; he chirps wid Peter Cartright, that he 
fears neither man or devil, sez he's met both 
often. He's strong on th' lance is th' Leech; an' 
declares he '11 kill or cure ; while hisn sick prays, 
he swars. He sez, 'Beginnin' an' endin' is 
zactly th' same.' " 

"But," interrupted his hearer softly, "It is 
the living between that counts. ' ' 

1 ' You mought be right, sir ; cum ter think o ' 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 107 

it, you ar' right. It is th' livin' twixt thet 
counts; you make me think, sir. Yon Leech is 
frum Virginia, Sir, whar th' nigger is a nigger 
he sez, an' as pesky a critter ez you'd want ter 
see; I ken see news, thet's why I am fur tellin' 
all newcomers the kereckter o' th' people; but 
th' roustabouts is shoutin' summin." 

He moved farther in to hear, returning in a 
short time to report: "We're past Chippewa 
Landin' an' th' press is ter be left thar. Yon 
Leech was savin' ter th' Captain, 'Let eddi- 
cation be for a few, it is beyond these times. ' ' ' 

Though concerned about his press, Mr. Love- 
joy felt much assurance in these words that 
filled his heart : "In Thee, O Lord, do I put my 
trust, let me never be put to confusion." 



108 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

CHAPTER XL 

"Fret Not Because of Evil Doers" — Psalm. 

Alton boasted of an inventor called General 
Semple, who foreordained the present automo- 
bile in his invention, called a Schooner. This 
monster skimmed o'er the prairies like a bird, 
or sailed upon the waters like a nautilus. Wise- 
acres looked askance at this wonder, saying, "It 
is like David Hill's perpetual motion machine; 
it needs a fifth wheel to perfect it. ' ' 

On holidays all the lads and lassies from 
around the country took a free ride, though with 
considerable trepidation be it said, as citizens 
hurried out of its uncertain path ; some named it 
"Touch-Me-Not," which seemed a most fitting 
name, for it was inclined to overbalance itself 
by an overhanging upper deck, heavily bedecked 
with wild flowers to give it a festive appear- 
ance and also to invite admiration. 

In reality, it failed of purpose ; but this fact 
did not daunt the General in the least ; his hobby 
grew with a still more ardent desire. "I hope 
to do away with tedious stage travel," he said 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 109 

in confidence to Col. Hunter, who had donated 
large tracts of land to the city for municipal 
purposes. 

* 'Keep right on and try, try again; my 
Black Jonstone says, 'Col, it is the beginning of 
something yet to come.' " 

Alton also boasted of another more success- 
ful inventor, whose reaping machine won a for- 
tune for him later on. An atmosphere of con- 
geniality surrounded the citizens of Alton and 
they greeted Mr. Love joy daily with much hand- 
shaking and many words of good cheer. "The 
laws of Illinois will not allow persecution, for 
we remember well Hayti and Southhampton, 
whose life was written in blood; here you will 
find no hasty judgment but very much candor.' ' 

"Providing one does not carry suspicious 
papers," hinted one citizen, "or write too much 
about mob law. ' ' 

"We have, as do all new towns, a band of 
Jack- whet-stones, Sir Lucas 'Triggers, and 
Jean Pottage and Puddings, who lie like sleep- 
ing dogs; still they do no harm to speak of," 
warned a citizen. 



110 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

"We have, too, a winking Mayor, who hesi- 
tates to censure the young, and since civic au- 
thority is lax, why should Jack-whet-stone care. 
Many leading Elders have scape-goat sons and 
beg leniency for them, whilst they are supping 
with the devil only saying, 'The spoonhandle is 
long.' " 

As the Editor eyed his informer, chewing 
constantly on a bit of slippery elm, the words 
of an old script came into his mind : 

"How many there are who never think, among 

the thinking few; 
And fewer still, who think they think, but only 

think they do." 

Childish larks, forsooth! Does not Milton 
declare, Childhood shows the man? If nature 
makes them too curious, should a long or a short 
halter be used to tether them? 

Days crept on and weeks fled, showing great 
laxity of law in the harboring of many danger- 
ous fugitives in Alton. The Editor again felt 
the Spirit of God move within him; he knew he 
was not devoid of criticism for in the many 



THE FIFTH SEAL. Ill 

seditious meetings, free speech bespoke his jeo- 
pardy. 

"The basis of my paper is religion, I feel 
important issues are at hand/' cried he, "For 
Justification awaits all who believe in God's 
word; full many a sigh, groan or tear is in se- 
cret at evils, which will assuredly expose its 
cloven foot in time." 

Farther up the river, the town of Quincy had 
in its "Lord's Barn, ,, what was known as the 
Yale Band; they were men who were valiantly 
and silently working for education. 

' ' The coming generation must be educated, ' ■ 
said these men. "Alton is striving for this 
cause through the Press.' ' There came a sud- 
den silence; where is Mr. Lovejoy's Press? 
Why is it silent? 

The answer came back as a shock : "It is in 
the Mississippi River." Jack- whet-stone had 
only cut a caper. 

The persecution of this prophet had begun 
again; yet throughout this ordeal, Mr. Lovejoy 
never lost faith in humanity. 

"It shall rise again, mightier than ever; 



112 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

though ignoble men cannot see through dense- 
ness, the light is still there and burning 
brightly." 

In the Market House o'er topping the hill, 
rustlers used nefarious privileges to further 
their cause without stint; even yeomen stalked 
about with heavy cowhide boots to give weight 
to their ill-chosen words. Idlers chewed cease- 
lessly on some bit of gossip; whilst the motley 
crowd exhibited an unwonted aptitude in realiz- 
ing that a menace hung over Alton, which would 
soon expose many inuendoes besides Indian 
raids and settlers' quarrels. The Press was 
gone, but it would rise again. 

There was considerable rivalry between 
Alton and St. Louis at this time in regard to 
municipal growth. Though Alton maintained 
its lotus-eating nature owing to lax law, it 
readily allowed itself to become overshadowed, 
by gyrating around the way of least resistance ; 
thus contradicting a cynicism, that all men wor- 
ship the god — Success. 

The town was very cosmic in early days, 
but within three-quarters of a century it grew 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 113 

atomic in the country's history, through the 
great tragedy of 1837. Its individualism be- 
came universal, and so fulfilled an end, which 
the Fifth Seal now declares to be prophecy. 

In seeking to establish a free press, Mr. 
Lovejoy sought free soil; citizens busied them- 
selves in rectifying his loss, and word was soon 
passed around the market house to that effect. 

"Yes, sir, de press am shure cummin ' back, 
Massa Woods,' ' remarked Hominy Tom, glibly, 
as he scooped out a succulent mass of hominy 
to a buyer; "An' I say, Massa, could you guv 
de cabin a thatch! I'se tried grass, which the 
good Lord guvs a plenty, but it is too tender." 

"There is plenty and to spare in my back 
yard, Tom," answered Mr. Woods. "And 
many take without asking." 

"So I wuz tole, sir, but de good Lord sez 
'Thou shalt not steal,' " answered the black 
disciple humbly; "I'll send oP Gilbert ober 
'fore daylight, fo I's born tir'd an' I sure lik' 
eatin' free bread; thank ye kindly, sir. Thar 
cums ol ' Gilbert up de hill neow wid hisn mule- 
hoss hav'n hisn will, like de white people ; Massa 



114 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

Woods is sure a powerful arguer in church, 
'specially wen cle spirit is on him, an' he sure 
do hit hard ( obcr de head wid his cane, wen de 
sinners won't cum ter tha mournin' bench; I's 
seed all dese. But he 's sure a fine gemman wid 
hisn flappin ' coat a Sunday an ' his paint bucket 
a week days; dat is wot I call wurkin' fur de 
Lord; an' wen he wears hisn top boots, he looks 
lik' Henry Clay, for they squeek an' squeek; 
an ' — wot's dat yo hollerin' 'bout, 01' Gilbert, 
down thar ; luk at dat molasses triklin' alon' yo' 
path; doan let dat mule-hoss hav' hisn will, I 
'clare." 

The negro, 01' Gilbert, was a well-known 
character around Alton, for nature had cut him 
on the bias, putting his large feet across sides 
and bowing his legs so that many a barrel rolled 
between them, causing his oV mule-hoss to turn 
around for enlightenment, to behold his load 
gone elsewhere down the hill; whereupon the 
animal placidly went on "hevin' hisn will," 
which was mostly over toward the watering 
trough in the public square. 

"He interrupt 'd business by sich didoes," 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 



115 



exclaimed 01' Gilbert, wrinkling up his narrow 
forehead to the summit of his brow. 





s,; "- 



OLD GILBERT. 
From the Original. 



116 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

With perplexed air, OV Gilbert would then 
motion and wait for his friend Tom to come to 
his rescue in an act of brotherly love such as 
linked fast the friendship between the two by 
thus helping one another ; in compliment to his 
good friend, OP Gilbert would often declare: 
"No one ken lie lik' Hominy Tom, ef I do say 
it" 

Many people went daily to the Market House 
for their supply of herbs to brew some remedy, 
and hither a stiff-necked judge hied one day for 
lavendar and horsemint, perchance to listen to 
a bit of gossip prevalent of the times. 

"What stick o' herb, Judge?" inquired the 
market man. 

1 * Strengthen it well with horsemint, and add 
a bit of wormwood for bitterness," said the 
Judge, noticing with darkened brow the famil- 
iarity of hucksters and negroes about him. 
"Hum! The color line should be drawn; it is 
abominable, outrageous. How it will all end, 
God alone knows; surely the press is not a 
melting pot, it is a scourge." 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 117 

He turned disgustedly away with a rnuch- 
be-purpled countenance. 

Some one heard his words however, and 
wafted them well about, with the result that an 
invitation was sent the Judge to hear Mr. Love- 
joy's sermon the following Sunday, mentioning 
that a seat would be reserved for him so that 
his deaf ears could hear the Truth. 

"The truth,' ' scoffed the Judge craning his 
neck a bit higher. "I already know the truth 
about the negro question, 'They will free their 
kind'; I will not be a supporter of Mr. Lovejoy, 
I will let Mr. Gilman and Deacon Long advocate 
his cause if they want. And you, Lowe and 
Cromwell, are still little pitchers with big ears ; 
you can go in my place,' ' as he turned to two 
small boys near by. 

"But the meal must be sifted at Lathy 's 
mill sir for th' people even on Sunday; an', 
sir, I be hearin' th' Piasa Bird screech so loud 
at night, I trembles to go home late," spoke 
little Cromwell shuddering. 

"Tut, tut, don't believe in myths; it's the 
living to be afraid of. ' ' And report went around 



118 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 



later that the Judge's neck had actually topped 
over his collar with indignation, as he finished 
his remarks : 




JOSEPH CROMWELL. 

Xenia, lOliio. 

Last Survivor of the Press. 

"I thank the Lord that I am not too old to 

see the disgrace looming before the white race ; 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 11.9 

equality will disgrace America; the press is 
running a gamut with Satan and Lucifer, not 
caring which may be the sinner. The mullets 
called white trash, cannot realize that they can 
never become trout. My blood runs thick at the 
thought, I'll send for th' Leech to do some blood 
letting, though I'd as soon have th' butcher, for 
he swears less. Let the pillars of the church 
salve their own way with politics. ' ' 



120 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

CHAPTER XII. 

"He follows the law of his kind" — Wordsworth 

Another landmark of Alton (and standing 
today in the original forking road) was called 
the Buck Inn, marked o'er its door-way by 
antler horns, trophy of the game thereabouts. 

The Buck Inn was a long, low building built 
of seasoned oak timbers well plastered over, and 
strongly held down by iron plates. The Inn 
had space of country all around it, thus giving 
the landlord ample time to see his daily guests 
coming from afar off. He was a friendly host 
when in genial mood, and he beguiled his guests 
into tarrying long with him ; when purpose suit- 
ed, his laugh was long and loud, but when things 
went criss-cross, his guests noted the sudden 
change with consternation, for it always carried 
much freight. 

Inside the Inn a log fire, ruddy with glow, 
cast its spell over many worshipers that loved 
gossip and guffaw ; even the dogs found a warm 
place there, though mine host declared he'd 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 121 

make the owners pay for every flea his dog 
carried. 

Mine host was ably assisted by a habitee 
called "Bluff," who often unraveled the sleeve 
of care for loafers to knit up again when time 
hung heavy and the host was wearied from too 
much fray. "Bluff" was a middle-man and 
had as a business, a stock trade of both humans 
and animals. 

His bulky form was well known all over the 
country, he very often sought relief of con- 
science by quarrelling with squatters, who hov- 
ered near the underground railroads, hoping to 
foster some runaway slave into thinking they 
were free when among their clan. 

Large rewards were a big inducement to 
the squatters who lived without actual labor, 
and though not one of them, "Bluff" was very 
often among them, for personal reasons; 
namely, to let them do the actual stealing, while 
he procured them leniency. He was therefore 
an entertaining guest at the Buck Inn, for he 
brought much news. 



.122 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

"Keep the guests in humor, Bluff, while I 
nap," whispered mine host, "I have a carouse 
on hand tonight. Keep them in cheer and from 
too much fray." 

His aicl-de-camp nodded good naturedly, and 
blinked knowingly. "Tother day," said Bluff, 
emiting a stream of tobacco in the direction of 
a little man who dozed in a warm corner by the 
lire. "Tother day I saw a wolf skulking in th' 
shadows. ' ' 

"Eh! Eh!" squeaked the little man, much 
to the annoyance of the loafers around the fire. 
"Wall, I didn't say whar yet, but it war in th' 
vicinity o' Coup's Creek or it mought be God- 
frey's Farm, seein' it war skulkin' fur hogs or 
sheep, or young heifers ; it didn 't even stop to 
read th' sign ' Beware 0' Dogs,' but turned 
tail and run. Yes-siree, run my way; it sur- 
prised me so I missed fire, by gosh." 

"Wolves ar' noxious critters, especially if 
yo miss fire, Bluff," scoffed the little man rous- 
ing up again from his apparent slumber. 

"i\n' pesky at night, Pee-wee. I missed a 
handsome brush, at that." 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 123 

"Likewise," began the little man in tantaliz- 
ing" voice; "Likewise, other game ez yo say." 

Bluff glanced contemptuously at the atom of 
humanity. "You low ez I never seed it; an' I 
'low ez no low-lived critter frum Southern 
Illinois ken insult me," he glared savagely 
at his assailer and planted his cow-hide boots 
heavily on the floor, tightening up his leathern 
belt. His action indicated anger, whereupon 
the little man began to whimper. 

"I never sed nuthin' Bluff. I'm yer frien." 

Escape was uncertain, so like all cowards, 
the little man played for sympathy, for he had 
felt Bluff's trouncing once before. He, there- 
fore, began to call loudly on the landlord for 
help. Mine host ran hurriedly from an inner 
room, and promptly dragged the little man to 
an open casement, where fresh air soon dried 
his crocodile tears. The landlord then returned 
to Bluff, saying: "Come, come, Bluff, hev a care 
these days, give th' poor squatter a chance ter 
get a dram o' brew, an' besides he might carry 
your lash down th' Plank Road. I know th' toll 
hez bin high lately, 'an it affects your temper 



124 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

mightily; but I hear your hogs ar prime ter 
litter; kidnapin' growm' slim, an* th' under- 
ground railway at Wood River is spilin' trade, 
Mose Twist tells me." 

At his name a low-browed individual looked 
up quickly from his corner and spoke gruffly, 
"TV free paper fur th' blacks hez ruined trade 
an' cheated me out'n an honest livin\ There 's 
Singleton Vaugh advertising a reward o' $250 
in the Spectator fur some worthless nigger, ez 
aint worth his salt. I hev hunted high an* low 
fur th* rascal; scoured th' country ez far ez 
Elsah, whar th* path winds roun' an* roun' 
like a coilin' snake, an' nary a nigger; th' black 
rogue is under earth somewhat" 

His words were freighted with profanity, 
familiar to his listener's ears, while his evil 
face flamed fiercely. 

"Let th' venom stay a bit in your fangs, 
Mose; til yo', of all men, will scent th' black 
rogue. ' ' 

"I'll git it out'n my system w'en I go to 
Happy Hollow among them tobacco worms ez 
infect thet place o' refuge. They are swarmm' 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 125 

wid niggars an' thar squeakin' wagons ken be 
heard miles away ; too lazy ter seek honest wuk. 
Thar hosses wear platted husk collars or else 
pant-legs filled wid stubble for yokes; th' only 
time they ar ' active is w 'en they ar shakin ' wid 
ague. ' ' 

"We'uns must preserve th' Union," added 
the affable landlord. The opportunity being 
thus afforded, many mouths gave individual 
points of view on the politics of the day. 

Arguments began to wax louder and louder, 
when suddenly the sound of horse's hoofs were 
heard without; the door was flung violently 
open and an exhausted rider stumbled inside. 

"Brew and meat," he cried. 

Without questioning him, mine host has- 
tened to do his bidding. 

When the traveler had eaten his fill, he re- 
lated a story that thrilled all with horror : 

"Another Indian massacre at Prairie Du 
Chene." 

1 ' The Indian will always be a menace to the 
American conscience! Their god is a savage 
god and bids them fall back on their hatchet 



126 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

rather than become a worm. Congress some 
clay will realize that their birthright was bought 
too cheaply. It didn't take General Jackson 
long to settle the Seminoles, though they hail 
him as a wampum today; but," added the scout, 
' ' I must away to warn settlers that the Indians 
are on their raid and are traveling fast." 

After the scout had gone his way, the loung- 
ers once more gathered around the warm fire 
toasting their shanks in apparent good fellow- 
ship and discussing the American house of 
Stuarts, the Adams family, and how John Ran- 
dolph longed to twist a barb into the vitals of 
the Yanks. 

' * I 'd like ter ax, ' ' spoke the very mild voice 
of a newcomer named Joab, "Wot th' opinion 
o ' th ' fellers is, 'bout th ' trouble o ' today ? Will 
th' 'South divide an' break rank fur Henry 
Clay?" 

"Thets ez crafty a question ez I ever hear 
from a man ez reads th' Bible nightly; th' Pres- 
ident's chair is th' king's chair, come clay go 
day, but God guv's Sunday ter th' righteous 
like ye Joab." 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 127 

"But, sir, sir; I be waitin' ye response." 

"Ten' ter your conversions, Joab," an- 
swered the landlord roughly, seeing his guest 
was stepping upon dangerous ground. "I say 
with th' Yanks I doan kneow." 

Attention again being centered on "Pee- 
wee," the landlord dragged him to the open 
casement, where a passing leech cupped the 
epileptic generously, and with round oaths or- 
dered him to seek his home in the bottoms, 
"where you have not been this moon. ' ' Wiping 
his lancet upon the top of his leather boot, the 
Leech prepared to take a seat by the warm 
fire, when a voice floated in through the still 
open casement, "This is an unbaptised country 
and needs the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, 
woe is coming. Woe ! Woe ! ' ' 

Without turning to look, the Leech cried 
out derisively: "Hullo, Coventer, it's been full 
ten year since I have heard your woeful voice. 
But I know Jim Carrol well, and he knows the 
Leech that opens veins to let bad blood out." 

"May the Good Lord crucify the scoundrels 



128 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

thet make th' laws o' this land," groaned the 
Coventer, shaking a long, lean finger at the 
Leech. 

1 i Amen ! Amen ! ' ' answered he. " Laws were 
made for such as thee, Coventer, who pointedly 
refuse to work the roads to metropolize towns. 
You refuse to serve any law; away with your 
lantern visage !" and stalking to the window, 
the Leech pushed that individual away and 
locked the casement, swearing lustily the while. 

Returning to his seat, the Leech took up the 
thread of conversation: " Fellows, when Shad- 
roch Bond was first Governor of Illinois his 
first message to the legislature was a fat pud- 
ding full of plums; but he used great sense in 
mixing it; for it was weighed to the last ounce 
and even predigested, so as to assimilate it with 
the food of Illinois. His body and brains were 
equally balanced." 

"An' I rekellect," mused another habitee of 
Buck Inn, "I wuz wurkin , fur Governor Bond 
in 1818, when a justice of the Supreme Court, 
called by name Wm. Foster, was known as the 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 129 

most accomplished rascal that ever was born. 
He, though, had winsome ways; he was clever, 
but he kept people guessin' whether or not he 
meant for certain; you rekellect him, Mose 
Twist!" turning to where the kidnaper sat 
chewing the ends of his beard. 

"An' I dew, I dew," nodded that party; 
"He wuz ez despotic a man ez I ever seen an' a 
sad despoiler, but ez good a soul ez ever 
whipped a nigger into submission; he made a 
law thet th ' lash should be laid on every nigger 
found ten miles away frum home. Thirty-five 
lashes was the perscription; thirty-five lashes; 
en I dew say ez many a master furgot hisn pass, 
jess ter hev his nigger whipped an' keep him a 
servant. Yep, Mr. Foster wuz a very conscien- 
tious gentleman." 

Mose began to twirl his thumbs rapidly and 
inhale great thumbfuls of snuff, which caused 
him to sneeze several times, before he felt com- 
placent enough to remark: "I hev dun wot I 
could to stop runaway slaves frum comin' inter 
Illinois. ' ' 



130 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

"You are certainly the best human blood- 
hound I ever saw," cried the Leech, in great 
good humor. 

"Aint it th' truth, aint it th' truth,' ' panted 
the rogue, swelling out his waist-coat so liber- 
ally that the plaids seemed to vent the wearers 
pomposity. Every one knew that Mose Twist 
was a very cruel man. 

"Friends," said Mose, warming up to his 
subject, "th' salt mines must be wurk'd an' we 
must hev slaves ter wurk 'em. I am not eddi- 
cated lik' Editor Lovejoy; but I read th' Ob- 
server an' it sez thet several hundred slaves in 
Illinois ar' in absolute bondage; neow who ken 
hold them niggers ter wurk, but Mose Twist. 
I ken keep th' South at your door, gemmen, 
wot's th' use o' indenturin' slaves, an who is ter 
blame because Phillip Renault began th' mining 
industry in this state. The blasted English 
decried them niggers, an' brought th' French- 
men here; neow I knows, th' nigger is happy 
enuff, when well fed." 

His listeners looked wise, as the slave driv- 
er's growl finally ceased, and a suave voice from 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 131 

the rear indicated that a newcomer had ar- 
rived. 

"Th* Kid Glove Leech,' ' was the whisper 
passed around. 

"Mose Twist, I heard your last words, and 
no one disagrees with you more than I; know- 
ing that the code of Virginia and Kentucky al- 
lows neither knowledge nor yet principle to its 
slaves, I ask, can a human being ever be happy 
without such privileges? No! Can a human 
being ever be happy, when bought and sold by 
a master! Will not his mental balance tip to 
one side? He is not devoted to any principle, 
nor can he ever know intellectual value; in 
these points, the slave loses. The master 
gains. ' ' 

More speech was interrupted by a volley of 
profanity that fell from the lips of his brother 
in science, who exclaimed : ' * My spleen is o 'er 
run with the cry of ' Freedom ' ; I declare though 
Illinois cannot have slavery, it can privilege 
itself to arrange a system of perpetuation, that 
will call an indentured slave a chattel. I am 
like old John Grammer of Union County, ' Haint 



132 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

I as much right to my nigger as any French- 
man? I am with the great majority. " 

So apparent was this Leech's indignation 
that the loungers looked for more passing of 
words, knowing of the great animosity existing 
between the two Leeches; but, the kid gloved 
Leech only rose and walked quietly away, going 
into an outer room, where he passed outside. 

For a moment he listened intently; a faint 
groan was heard in a coal shed at the other end 
of the lot; going quietly toward this point, the 
Leech discovered a runaway negro, shivering 
with cold and full of fear. "Ah! if Mose Twist 
only knew the prey was here, he 'd have the $250 
reward in his pocket ere night. Dogs bask in 
the fire's warmth, but the poor slave expects 
nothing, dares nothing; he lives without hope/' 

A tear fell from the eye of the Kid-gloved 
Leech upon the woolly head, but it seemed to 
benedict the downtrodden slave, for intuitively 
he felt this kindly gentleman was his savior. 

Long after the event had passed, the 
Leech's only child asked: "What is an inden- 
tured slave." 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 133 

"Child," said he gravely, thinking of much 
that he alone knew of human lives. i i An inden- 
tured slave is a befooled negro. ' ' 



134 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

"Bloody and deceitful men shall not live out 
half their lives" — Psalms. 

After its re-establishment, the Observer's 
circulation grew very large. It aroused people 
into thinking that the constitution should not 
break its covenant made with God, whereby it 
teaches and inculcates upon the pure American, 
ideals of good citizenship regardless of race 
or color. 

While prohibiting slavery in its territories, 
this paper knew that Congress licensed its peo- 
ple to sanction it by a majority vote. 

In his speech of 1829 Daniel Webster truth- 
fully said that religious feeling was sadly 
thwarted; nevertheless, he was inclined to veto 
the annexation of Texas. 

Friends of both Webster and Clay smiled 
broadly at their crossed swords, and this news 
was found most toothsome by the Philan- 
thropist, Liberator and Observer, who pepper- 
ed it well with a calamity howl. 

Whirled into becoming a wedge between the 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 135 

North and South by 20,000 societies, Mr. Love- 
joy began to display his usual astuteness by 
declaring: "In God will I put my trust; my 
conscience is as clear as crystal. I will not 
retract one word, I will follow the conscience 
of progress, feeling that God ever sends forth 
mercy and truth, like unto heaven and clouds." 

Truth declares the corruption of man is self- 
preservation ; it is at such times that animosity 
ceases its concealment and openly threatens vio- 
lation. 

"Mr. Love joy, you are called an agitator 
that sooner or later will force a revolution. The 
times teem with violence and strife. Why seek 
to wander in a wilderness ?" 

To his brother in cloth, Mr. Love joy made 
his usual consistent reply: "Conviction rests 
falsely upon me; revolutions are not of mush- 
room growth, and the people must realize that 
the South governs the North by her white race, 
not by her black. They know their swamps are a 
standing menace, for no white man will work 
them; they rightly call them the fangs of the 
rattler.' ' 



136 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

Eaves-droppers soon carried these words 
biasly and caused the rumor to percolate into 
insinuating and evil thoughts, whereas, the pur- 
port was meant to be quite different. 

North Carolina had ever been a willful 
daughter; her soil was cultivated by ignorant 
and dangerous negroes, whose density was just 
obtuse enough to suit their obstreperous mas- 
ters, whom they blindly obeyed, and around 
whom they revolved like satellites. Living only 
in the present, the future meant nothing to 
them. How well did Ben Lundy write: "that 
slavery in the South affected the wives, the 
children, the hearth-stone; while in the North 
it was known by the name of Sentiment, which 
sandwiched between Right and Expediency, 
might well be termed Evasiveness.'' 

These remarks caused the North to grow 
most contemptuous. "Is the calamity of slav- 
ery a crime? Why not imitate England, who 
shares its wealth with labor and gives a good 
per cent for its upkeep?" 

Webster, Clay, Calhoun, Benton and Jack- 
son all kept their finger upon the pulse of the 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 137 

country, by urging* the people to dig around 
the mountain. 

Mr. Love joy was now in a labyrinth whence 
there was no return. He was not seeking an 
Avalon he so told his would-be advisors, who 
called his attention to the avalanche of threats 
that impeded his progress. Duties very often 
took him into the inland country, where many 
people were reached only by word of mouth, 
through this extraordinary man who had the 
ability to convince without persuasion what 
might be called the body politic. He fully real- 
ized that a mind uninformed often misconstrues 
by antonym. 

Such was the difficulty which the Editor 
sought to overcome by personal contact. One 
night, returning home after midnight through 
a dense woods, the footpath leading to the high- 
way suddenly became obstructed. In righting 
himself, Mr. Lovejoy became suddenly aware of 
discordant voices jeering at him; he felt himself 
seized by unfriendly arms and bound tightly 
with a rope. The words "Kitchener," "Run 
out of Georgia," "Phillips," "Garrison," 



138 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

"Tar and feathers," added greatly to the an- 
noyance of his capture. 

He knew resistance was useless, so he re- 
mained silent, knowing it would soon be time for 
the stage to roll down the highway. The situa- 
tion was trying, not to say painful, unless succor 
came soon. 

"Serve him like the Salem witches, an' see 
if his covenant wid death and agreement wicl 
hell will save him. We are the Hurrah Boys, 
an' we want ter save th' stars and stripes. We 
won't let you-uns destroy th' Union. We are 
the Invincible s. " 

Using fist and cudgels vigorously on their 
victim, they were suddenly stopped in their 
nefarious work by a rider dashing in among 
them and crying: 

"Shame on every mother's son of you! 
Mississippi, Virginia and Tennessee ! Brave in- 
deed, when drunk, but fearful when sober. ' ' 

"How dare you interrupt us, Leech," cried 
a voice that caused the rider to whirl suddenly 
around. "Ha! Dr. John, fie with you among 
such rowdies. Tomorrow you'll disgrace the 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 139 

knife, much less your family. Paine Court, in- 
deed, huh!" 

"Sail we guv de prisonaire up, friens; he 
ez one Bigot; he insults ze good Catholics; he 
blasphemes ze Huguenots; he ez not a free 
thinker like good Leech." 

"Frenchie, hide your bloated countenance in 
yon shadow ; back I say and damn the church, it 
causes much trouble. Untie this man, or I'll 
lash every man of you into submission.' ' 

Cowed to a man, they obeyed the rider, who 
rewarded them by swearing at them lustily. 
"Come," said he to Mr. Lovejoy. "I will as- 
sist you to the highway and there you can await 
the Stage with the Circuit Court ; they were de- 
layed by the recent freshets into a late hour, 
but you are safe now," as the highway was 
reached; "I do not admire your cause, Mr. Love- 
joy. In your Bible you will find allusions made 
to the cattle and other beasts of the field, which 
fact decides the South into holding on to all it 
has lawfully gotten. If slavery is a sin, then the 
strength of sin is the law, which is ever a strong 
open court for the first and last Adam. May 



140 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

Satan take advantage of those who would in- 
struct the ignorant into rebellion. ' ' 

"Would you blind the mind of mortal man 
because plain speech enlightens him! Who 
would then hold fast to intellect?" asked Mr. 
Lovejoy softly, knowing that the Leech's fiery 
nature knew no bounds when riled, but was cap- 
able of being reasoned with, through logic." 

"It's little use to mollify damnation with 
phraseology; it is better to warn you that mob 
fury will use you as an instrument. But here 
comes the Stage ; keep silent on this night. ' ' 

"The Lord be with you and bless you," 
whispered Mr. Lovejoy, feeling his strength re- 
turning. 

"Tut! Blessings mean nothing to me," an- 
swered the Leech riding away. "I am a free 
thinker and I damn the churches, but I believe 
in trial; tomorrow every mother's son will seek 
me. Believe me, the grog shops are respon- 
sible for this night's fracas." 

As he awaited the coming of the Stage, Mr. 
Lovejoy gave earnest thanks that he was still 
in flesh to carry on his righteous labor. If 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 141 

Jack-wliet-stones and the Hurrah Boys could 
only have look into the future, would they have 
hesitated! 

As the stage coach flashed its yellow light 
upon the Editor, many hands reached out and 
drew him within the coach, where he related his 
grievous adventure: "Truth, and order is cry- 
ing out at every door, but even though I suffer 
abuse, my work must go on. ' y 

"Even though, like Paracelsus, your work 
quickens with your death?" inquired a voice 
from the driver's high seat. 

"Even so, Abe Lincoln, " responded the 
Editor. 

The Stage had proceeded painfully along 
with plenty of yellow clay clogging its progress, 
when the wheels suddenly ceased turning. The 
dignitaries of the State cheerfully jumped out 
and helped to lift the heavy Stage from its rut 
with the long propellers. 

Abe Lincoln seemed to be the strength of 
the party and with droll humor plied and pulled, 
until the Stage was free from adherence. 

"Is it to work and suffer in order to live, 



142 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

or is it to live in order to suffer and work," 
cried he ; ' ' there are times when life seems a joke, 
for the unexpected is ever happening, such as 
Coup's Creek swamping the august court and 
delaying action on important matters. This 
tramp through slush and mire ought to make 
better laws for traffic in Illinois," remarked 
Abe to the driver, as he dangled his long legs 
over the side of the coach. 

"Wot ye said ez true, Abe," answered Old 
George, the driver; "I hev druv this stage nigh 
twenty odd years without accident, lettin' ruts 
alone; an' I must say the gentry ar' fine men 
to 'sociate with. Gid-up, Dobbin ! Ter th' left, 
kant yer see th' creek thet side; run th' pro- 
peller out thet way, Abe. Coup's Creek drib- 
bles all th' way down ter Alton and w'en th' 
railroad is built, th' town will hev ter harness 
Piasa Creek into a tunnel, unless th' city stays 
ter th' East o' Hunter's Addition." 

"Right you are, George; these twenty odd 
years are not for naught." 

"Th' poor man helps th' great," answered 
George, pertly. 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 



143 



LINCOLN AT 18 




144 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

"And the great man helps the poor, too, 
George, for after all, it is all for State, and 
not for party ; is not that so, Mr. Lovejoy?" 
cried Abe Lincoln, leaning his length of body 
far over the side of the coach and addressing 
those within. 

Instead of Mr. Love joy answering, another 
voice responded : 

"Nature furnishes freshets to inspire man 
into inventing ways and means for navigation ; 
it might even be called a ' coup de grace, ' which 
must needs be civilized within bounds of system- 
ization, eh, Abe?" 

"Even the rubbish barrel is not to be de- 
spised, since Blackstone's Commentaries once 
honored it. But the Sangamon channel must be 
straightened, sir, to do away with overflow,' ' 
replied Abe, laughingly. 

"You stick to your point I see, Abe, until 
gained," laughed Mr. Dubois. "Keep on lis- 
tening to the speeches of Dan'l Webster, who 
would give fit food to digest, and to Calhoun, 
who deceitfully tells us that his religious train- 
ing forbids this or that. How can Calhoun ex- 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 145 

pect a tiger from the jungle to become a domes- 
tiiicated cat or a grey wolf a lap dog. Am I doing 
him an injustice, knowing he was planted under 
the paternal tree of John Randolph and is en- 
deavoring to avoid a panic ?" 

1 i The court would sleep, ' ' reminded George, 
reigning his team into a gentle trot. 

"Aye! Aye!" replied Abe, righting his long 
body with surprising agility into an upright 
position, thereby showing athletic prowess. 

"An' ere the mouse fell from the ceiling the 
cat cried ' Allah! Allah !' " mused he suggest- 
ively. 

"When you are boosted into the legislature, 
Abe, don't let the whip hang too high/' chuckled 
Old George, cracking his whip by way of ex- 
pression. 

"I am studying life itself, while I work in 
the fields reaping and sowing." 

"An' none can do it better 'n you, Abe; 
wrestlin' an' runnin' is great sport, ain't it, 
eh?" 

"Work is the greatest problem of life; to 
some it is an unknown quantity. ' ' 



146 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

"The court is still sleeping," came a voice 
from the inner coach. "Hold a bit, George; I 
wish to come up between you two," and Mr. 
Love joy, still stiff and sore from his recent ex- 
perience, was soon comfortably seated between 
the two. "They will have a busy day tomor- 
row, ' ' said he, turning to Abe Lincoln. 

"Aye ! Aye ! And opinion has been agitating 
ever since Illinois became a State; a sovereign 
State it is at that, which the ordinance of 1787 
should restrict ; at some day distant Stephen A. 
Douglas will debate with me and not find me 
wanting. His ' squatter sovereignty' is in the 
embryo, for it is but an abrogation of the Mis- 
souri Compromise. 

John Quincy Adams once presented a pe- 
tition of more than 100,000 free men and the 
following year called for a million. England 
gave $1,000,000 for her West Indies and it is 
for such a point that the Philanthropist, the 
Liberator and the Observer are so industriously 
working. Oh, the fearful traffic that is licensed 
under the shadows of the Capitol walls, repre- 
senting ' force ' in our free country! 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 147 

The legislature of 1822-3, passing its reso- 
lution, was voiced by its people, and the follow- 
ing year, it reached far into history, for squat- 
ter sovereignty was then promulgated. In my 
opinion it is linguistic drubbing (a sane and 
sound way to reach the masses) that lights up 
the pathway of life. Liberty might constitute 
one thing needful for success, which after all is 
somewhat cynical when it says, 'Get on, get 
honor, get honest.' " 

"You are holding on to Christian senti- 
ments, Abe." 

"I am only holding on fast to what has been 
given me, Editor. ' ' 

Side by side sat these two men both with 
hearts of humanity, but neither aware that one 
was to weld the instrument and the other to 
apply it; or that over each head rested a shad- 
owy crown. 



A few days later Mr. Lovejoy overtook the 
Kid-gloved Leech riding on well-drenched sad- 
dle bags. In answer to a query, the Leech re- 



148 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

plied: "I've been among the Camelites and 
was sound asleep coming home and the nag took 
me across a freshet to waken me. Mr. Lovejoy, 
these reformed Shakers are a dangerous peo- 
ple ; they carry the softness of a tarrying John 
with Peter's coinage of words. Their mission 
is to save men from the sin of Adam by ar- 
ranged living. They need a strong brew of 
herbs for their liver, to waken them from their 
myths and traditions by which they hope to re- 
form the world. They call you, Editor, a dis- 
turber. Tarry not among these people for they 
will bode no good. ' ' 

1 'Your advice comes too late," and Mr. 
Lovejoy related the rough indignities and bru- 
tality of a few days since. 

' ' Our young men should disappear for three 
years into the vortex of grinding military serv- 
ice. They need the iron hand of work, though 
some may say it is legalized murder. They 
would then fulfill a prophecy, that of the l sur- 
vival of the fittest.' 

"Yes," mused on the Leech, "nature only 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 149 

differs in seal and print, for it daily violates 
'Love thy neighbor as thyself.' " 

i ' I see much, hear much, know much of life ; 
but one must not whisper moral and political 
reform to death. Time will cure it all. Henry 
Clay, from a hemp country, loves protection. 
He knows far better than the majority the value 
of the social and economical life of North and 
South, so he aims an arrow at willful Carolina, 
as an example. I strongly contend that fear 
rules the man lower down on the ladder of life, 
and that the past holds old men too often in its 
grasp. They resemble Moses and Aaron in no 
small degree; they are indifferent to political 
liberty, saying that belongs to England, but its 
corner-stone originated in France. America is 
America. 

Predigested food is not nourishing in the 
long run and the complex question of the day is, 
who will tie the wheat bag at both ends, know- 
ing such an act will breed a spirit of lawless- 
ness. ,, 

"This is the end for which the Observer 
works, Leech; its subscription already reaches 



150 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

2,000," explained the Editor. "Anti-societies 
show the country's indignation, and Rev. 
Graves is eloquent with joy, likewise Jimmy 
Morgan, Pappy Beall, Father Sidway and the 
religious Nancy Braznell, whose church work 
never tires." 

"Squire Brown tells me my peer, Dr. Will, 
though a humanitarian, strongly believes in 
slavery, though he says color of skin should 
not make a man a chattel. He is modest enough 
to run his own distillery, which Father Cart- 
right calls 'Ezekiel, eight chapter.' The parson 
believes in people searching the scriptures and 
says to read from the ' seventh to the tenth' 
verse to understand the gist. 

"Dr. Will is a disciple of the Peruvian bark 
and also itinerant preacher, if needs be. He 
drinks sage and sassafras on his trips, with 
seeming relish and even the doleful Camelites 
worship him, but they will not read the Ob- 
server/' 

"But American citizens are eagerly call- 
ing for the press East and West ; they want to 
know about the founder and apostle, viz., Clay 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 151 

and Webster; what Benton is doing; what 
Calhoun thinks. Horace Greeley though a young 
lad when the Missouri Compromise was adopt- 
ed, has the brain of a man and now the 
New York Tribune is eagerly read by the 
masses; it has made itself a needed fact and its 
circulation grows; it teaches the young genera- 
tion how to unbuckle the shoes of slavery 
through organization and the studying of its 
requirements, ' ' replied the Editor, parting with 
the Leech. 

Later Congress was petitioned to listen to 
the views of religious agitation; then it was 
that Asa Turner and Edward Beecher converted 
many into the way of right thinking. 

"I will never retract one word," wrote the 
now encouraged Observer. "I will follow my 
course and go on." 

One David Nelson, a fearful apostle of the 
cause, appointed Owen Lovejoy to take up his 
work, should he be overtaken by opponents. 
"Let the anointing received, abide in you; ye 
need not that any man should teach you, for the 



152 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

anointing is true even as it is taught you by the 
Yale band." 

1 ' Truly the eyes of the people are opening 
to the light." 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 153 

CHAPTER XIV. 

"God is that, which has never begun to be" 

—Old Latin. 
"Flow deeply, broad river, among thy green 

banks ; 
Flow deeply, broad river, to God give thy 

thanks ; 
Fair Alton doth slumber, lulled sweet by thy 

stream ; 
Flow deeply, broad river, and vision her dream. 

How high, verdant Alton, rise thy neighboring 

hills, 
Long marked by the traverse of flower bordered 

rills 
Where lovers doth wander, when the moon 

rises high 
To tell of sweet longings by the glance of the 

eye." 

In its early days, Alton was a town of home- 
spun and Valencia. Its inhabitants were of 
that lotus-eating nature, that wander carelessly 



154 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

through forests of maple, elm and oak, or 
stoop to pluck sweet clover ere they reached 
the banks of the mighty Mississippi, which 
the Choctaws called "Mishasipokani" (Beyond 
the Ages). 

The myths of Alton were Ouatoga and the 
Piasa Bird, about whom the grandsires wove 
many colored yarns. 

Alton held many religious minds, whose off- 
spring could conjugated sin's adjective " idle- 
ness' ' glibly, without limiting it. 

These Jack-whet-stones had long since left 
Virtue's path but were considered as possible 
reforms. 

This band eagerly sought information no 
matter where. 

"Indulgence can no longer be given Bub 
Jones; he'd best return to Pain Court," ran a 
public placard in Hall's store. With hob nailed 
boots, Marseiles vest, and kentucky jeans Bub 
Jones read as he ran, but the spirit he left be- 
hind him boded no good, for he had many imi- 
tators; and to show their bravado, Jack- whet- 
stones sang a song called "Truth." 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 155 

"Is not the land made for the free: 

Te he : te he : 
Our pranks are open, so what care we ; 

Te he: te he." 

Jack-whet-stone also had a secret code, at 
which the city fathers wrinkled up their brows 
in stern reproval, by warning some favorite son 
to "keep his finger out'n th' pie, lest he pull 
out a thorn : ' ' 

Bub Jones was the devil's helper however 
and carried a long handled spoon of gold, which 
gossip said belonged to a well known bandit of 
the south: Tom Paine's "Age of Season" 
flourished as great mental food and ' ' The Back- 
wood 's Magazine" was full of pith, if point 
was lacking. 

Many a parson enlightened his audience by 
reading from some welcome paper the news of 
the times and its anticipations. Rev. Graves ex- 
ploited such a message from the Boston Re- 
corder ; ' ' Enrich Kingsbury, pioneer of eastern 
Illinois, says by all means to preach to the 
negro, and he will soon respond in moral know- 



156 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

ledge and manhood. Freedom is freedom's 
1 sweetest sauce.' 

Anthony Benezt of France and Granville 
Sharp of England once cried for succor, but 
their cries died a cat's death. So." continued 
the parson, "up springs the Observer all a- 
bristle with sharp news." 

Having thus skillfully brought the subject 
before his audience, the parson allowed time for 
their "Pros and Cons," then cut argument 
short, by broaching religion, to wind up the 
meeting : 

"Now, let all give liberally to the Lord, for 
his cause is good. Amen, ' ' cried he. 

While he was lustily singing "Praise God 
from all blessings flow," his deacons passed 
their hats for odd coins and what-nots, saying 
"th* parson is well primed with hog an' hom- 
iny hisself, so guv ter th' lord hisself." 

Having collected a motley array of contri- 
butions, the Parson announced a meeting for 
the following week. 

"Rail-splitting, barn-raising and wood- 
chopping with inter-sperse hand-shaking and 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 157 

praise." His audience nodded their heads ap- 
provingly. 

About this time Alton began to yearn for 
the State capital, which was denied it; but the 
State assigned it a stone penitentiary skirting 
the banks of the river. 

This site was most accessable for escape as 
was proved by the following news item: "Es- 
caped — Maybe — 22 years old, white when not 
sunburned, red head, when not shaved, bad 
countenance, seeing it has been well poxed with 
cow-pits. Reward — 2 bushel of corn; he most 
likely is in 'Paine Court' by now; if he's there, 
let him stay — he jumped in the river and es- 
caped. 

This laconic notice is a "sufficient hint;" 
said wise heads. "For weuns doan need no 
comstable savin David, wen he's not splittin' 
rails, he ken dangle law enuff fur us, we prefur 
ter eat a barrel o' salt with our enemies, while 
hopin ter reform em." 

Fellows in-law Murdock and Linder mildly 
acquiesced, when it behooved David to consult 



158 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

Johnstone 's dictionary on law, or go to Deacon 
Long. 

But it soon became necessary for the city to 
have a mouth piece and Mayor Krum of St. 
Louis was called to be Alton's Municipal father. 
He was a man of most polite bearing and en- 
during patience ; tho an Autocrat he was not an 
extremist, for Gamble, Geyer and Lawless had 
tutored him in legal byways; he was therefore 
an exponent of men that forced respect through 
legal knowledge. 

His maiden speech was made atop a deal 
table, with much cheering and little order. 

"Citizens," he said: "I was riding the cir- 
cuit not long since as judge of the probate court, 
Alton then only boasted of 1000 souls ; it slept 
with a clear conscience, for it had that virginity 
of mind that begets mercy ; it had no bad habits 
therefore no malice ; such was the peaceful town 
of which I am now Mayor. ' ' Now may I declare 
"Let sleeping dogs lie" it is a saying well worth 
some thought, for disappointment as well as 
praise will often melt a medal into a bullet; 
while a youth may become an inspired Hannible 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 159 

or a Scipio, the adult mind knows better than 
to rule by terror or inquisition ; he rather sug- 
gests instead of commanding; we elders know 
that honey will catch more flies than vine- 
gar, and that the net will hold large flies safely, 
whereas the small ones fall through. 

Alton is still a small town, therefore one 
constable and one justice will suit present 
needs. " Concluded the mouthpiece of Alton: 
Though admitted to the Supreme Court of Mis- 
souri, Mayor Krum was really no politician, 
since he failed to protect his office by the safety 
of a council, until too late. In this neglect, he 
thought to show his confidence toward the mid- 
dle class of people. 

But the irony of fate ever casts its shadow 
before, and ere long, the Mayor beheld idleness 
and sloth sapping the vitality of the embryo 
citizens to such extent, that he wept before his 
neighbors Willard and Clawson. 

"If they'd use the sixth sense,' ' urged Dr. 
Stanton who dropped in, "many could blot out 
the finger prints of nature, for when a man 



160 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

blinks lie then begins to think, and ' Think' is 
the sixth sense.' ' 

"But five is a fixed and sacred number" 
answered his listeners indulgently humoring his 
whim. 

"Bead the Observer" answered he "And 
wake to impending danger of breeding from 
lack of thought, which is like a sun dial, it casts 
a long shadow." 

"The Observer is like a joke" remarked a 
smart Yankee present; "It is probing, pruning 
and sawing lumber with a whip saw, and a joke 
is an instrument with which a whip saw cuts 
into the vitals. It would make this world a 
Golgotha rejoicing over a qoundam heap of 
skulls." 

The time seemed now ripe for Rev. Beecher 
to mount the pulpit of his church and mention 
Colonization and Anti-slavery societies as use- 
less adjuncts to the mighty cause that was fear- 
lessly marching on its way, despite the talk of 
two brothers of the cloth, who vigorously railed 
at the Observer. 

The Mayor was advised to have arms stack- 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 161 

ed outside Uriah Rector's house to be ready 
for action as the question reverted once more to 
the main motion " Shall the press be taken to 
Quincy?" 

' 'I have sworn eternal opposition to slavery 
and by the blessing of God, I will never retract 
one word ; as long as I am an American citizen, 
as long as American blood flows in my veins, 
I shall hold myself at liberty to speak, write or 
publish whatever I so will on any subject, be- 
ing amendable only to the laws of my country 
for the same. Should the press be again des- 
troyed, it can be reset ; America is not a modern 
Pharaoh; it is not deaf to the voice of Justice." 

Scathing remarks began to run rampant and 
the scum of the people eagerly held its dregs to 
the lips of respectability crying : 

" Drink and in its lees behold the course of 
evolution: the ape, the baboon, the negro, the 
quadroon, the octoroon; here this family ends, 
while the white race has always begun to be." 

Every wood pile held an impromptu orator, 
every corner its Socrates, the taunts of a Cicero 
became public food upon which many frenzied 



162 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

families grew gaunt through neglect; while 
their belligerent sires fed well on revenge brew- 
ed from drink. 

Into the once peaceful sheep-fold, there had 
crept the grim wolf "Intolerance," for the shep- 
herd of the fold was sleeping and the beautiful 
theme of brotherly love as preached by Dr. 
Nelson became but a lost phantasy. 

About this time, the voice of heaven thun- 
dered in the invention of the " Cotton-gin ;" 
A prophet had arisen : territorial laws of 1807 
were vigorously hunted up "the slave was en- 
tailed property, their bondage was irrev- 
ocable. " 

Should this giant of Alex Whitaker be al- 
lowed to walk? but "The Fifth Seal" had been 
broken, and like Luther at the Diet of Worms, 
Elijah Lovejoy felt the scales of justification 
balanced heavily on value. 

"As Pinkney cried to Maryland in 1789; I 
will not retract; for no master has a right to 
hold his slave in bondage; the Revolution 
gave all people Freedom on American soil, re- 
gardless of color." 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 163 

In this speech did Mr. Lovejoy pass the 
psychic line separating Emancipation from 
Abolitionism! 

He visited the celebrated Yale Band, where 
he again encountered the problemic Abe Lin- 
coln ; like ships passing in the night each salut- 
ed, with hand-clasps; thus it is that soul ever 
cements soul in a sacred cause. 

Anti-Slavery societies and Friends of In- 
quiry sprang up spontaneously throughout Illi- 
nois. The latter expounded the laws to whom- 
soever sought knowledge. 

Rev. Beecher was besought to head this lat- 
ter society and many commended his considera- 
tion, inasmuch as many citizens hesitated to 
jeopardize their lives by becoming voluntary 
commentators on the slave question. 

They saw in Mr. Lovejoy, a life dedicated to 
the Ideal of Liberty's best product, but could 
they roll away that big stone called ' ' Lax Law ■ ' 
which many a Divine had chiseled with stern 
assiduity? 

An evening paper wrote : 

"Christianity never makes a change of 



164 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

heart, it is the spirit and Understanding of the 
scriptures that says ' Believe and thou shalt be 
saved. ' Is not that law enough. Boil and bub- 
ble, simmer and skim, until the appetite wets 
for more. Is life just a witches broth, after all 
because flame points beneath turn it into human 
gore?" 

Do not those who tread the winepress of 
sorrows with tireless feet alone, know the great 
secrets of life.? 

This argument appealed to many staunch 
men who called a meeting and created the fol- 
lowing resolution: "Besolved unanimously, 
that should any party or set of men infringe 
upon the peace of the public between the ad- 
journment and reassembling of any meeting, 
we the citizens will aid to the utmost in main- 
taining the law. ' ' 

"Will these resolutions be interpreted 
aright? " asked Mr. Gilman, upon reading this 
report. "I know Joel Parker, Bev. Hogan and 
Bev. Peck were there to exploit the value of 
the law, since they always declared that 
church and state should never unite; can this 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 165 

be a veiled attack upon the moral reform now 
sweeping over the country. ' ' Though all prayer 
meetings gathered together many craven spirits, 
whose sullen countenances bespoke the lack of 
God within, the intrinsic value of the scriptures 
remained unchanged; for as leaves often hide 
fruitage, so the personality of God and man, 
differ only in their earthly degree. Mr. Love- 
joy was chosen as a divine instrument to break 
the Fifth Seal. Rev. Graves, a close friend of 
the Editor, beheld many young men becoming 
cats-paws of evil men ; handbills of inflammable 
nature were scattered around by men, who could 
neither read nor write, on their way to work. 
This was used as pretext; for upon reproaching 
these citizens, Rev. Graves discovered no evil 
intention in their act. ' ' See yon rat hole, ' ' said 
he by the way of example ; " It catches many a 
foot." 

"Aye Sir, but weuns ar' poor, an' must hu- 
mor th' rich, though in ourn opinion they'd dis- 
grace a pigsty/ ' 

"You are primitive christians though and I 
advise you not to peer into rat holes while 



166 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

drinking your pint measure like yonder loafer, 
who goes by singing, 'I Want to Be An Angel,' 
taught him in childhood, with no sacred mean- 
ing whatever.'' 

"When the tea-cup usurps the wine cup, 
then only will God reign upon earth," mused 
the good Parson, going on his way thoughtfully. 

In one hand the Parson carried a tract is- 
sued by a leading Divine, who thus hoped to 
reform the many human leeches that crawled 
up healthy vines like caterpillers, only to de- 
stroy life. 

How like lampreys ever sticking, but bit- 
ing like fleas are all jugglers of politics; yet 
history hands down to us that beautiful inscrip- 
tion hung in Exeter Hall; "Fate has ever 
proven that the good, the true, and the beautiful 
will alwavs be." 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 167 

CHAPTER XV. 

"It thundered and the people said an angel 
spake." — Holy scripture. 

Since appreciation of American citizenship 
impelled freedom and inspired independence, 
Mr. Love joy did not misconstrue their relation- 
ship in being aught but righteous. 

Virginians called abolitionists, milliners; 
and nullifiers, secessionists. 

"Who will plow our fields, hitch up our 
hosses; free the slave, huh! he'll no longer 
work, he'd be but an empty sack." 

Thaddeus Stevens, strong in the theory of 
legislature and constitution, bought a country 
for the slaves, but would they go hence! Like 
many he posed as an anti-slavery whip, while 
daily thanking God that Gutenberg invented 
printing, so that knowledge could be spread 
broad-cast, like seed upon Egyptian soil. Thus 
he hoped to exploit himself as an auxiliary, be 
whatever way politics might take its turn. 

This reminded Virginia that it did not mind 
a bit of slander, for it knew neither congress 



168 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

nor yet legislature could liberate the slave with- 
out violating the constitution. 

It behooved Calhoun at this time to add a 
postscript to her thought: 

" Congress can not pass a law abolishing 
slavery in the district of Columbia ; but in order 
to survive, the Union must secede ; this thought 
opened up Pandora 's box, letting out the mil- 
itary form of the great Thos. Benton, whose 
tones of thunder sounded far and near. 

"How dare you try to dry up the marrow of 
our country, because of fiery disappointment. 
Havoc! I cry, let loose the dogs of war." To 
this, Calhoun assidiously replied: 

"I am no traitor to my country, when I de- 
clare its future belongs to the Abolitionists! 
oh ! my country my country ' ' he cried dramati- 
cally launching forth in fiery protest : "Slavery 
is a State Institution, with which the Federal 
government should never meddle ; mechanics and 
artisans are the enemies of slavery: Annex 
Texas to strengthen the Union and forsooth the 
South : know you not, that a Republic falls when 
slave and free states are equal?" 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 169 

Having so declared himself, the great Nulli- 
fier grew shadowy, for at this period Webster 
and Clay were clasping hands over the presi- 
dential chair, and disappointment stalked their 
way. 

Then it was that Mr. Webster sought his 
Ohio farm and later passed on to St. Louis. 
This dark-browed disciple of Hamilton, 
wished to see with his own eyes the human 
traffic menacing the West. In Lucas ' Grove, 
he had ample magnitude to view a mighty 
carousal that brought from the country, 
far and near, a mass of motley people. The 
great Orator was duly impressed by the law of 
evidence, that threaded each life with its rotten 
warp; this warp was not alone poverty of un- 
derstanding but, poverty of moral fitness. 

"But I bless the military chair for tying the 
bag at both ends, in order to give the appear- 
ance of prosperity, ' ' said he reflectively. "If 
Virginia would come under the code of 1789, 
the West would envalue itself. 

Only ten years ago, since the Pioneer came 
on flat-boats from Pittsburgh ; and now, the 'Lin- 



170 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

dell' floats gaily bedecked with travelers to this 
new West; its Captain, an Englishman, has 
grown rich through slave trade ; he is said to be a 
kind man to them; well do I recall the time when 
Xew York adopted the constitution, and that 
vivid spectacle of ten white horses drawing its 
ship of state through muddy streets. Tri- 
umphant New York bowed her head, as thirteen 
clocks chimed in unison and great was the re- 
joicing that no longer need she make sugar out 
of hickory. Today, America will not coun- 
tenance a King George's profligacy, though it 
strives to variegate the color of the West." 

It was indeed true that the West was chis- 
eled out by a sculptor known as twenty-six 
states to pay off the revolutionary debt. 

Xow Dan'l Webster had great persuasive 
powers, and though of far weaker will than 
Henry Clay, he was a greater expounder of the 
truth; he impressed the masses' through his in- 
nate knowledge, into thinking his way. His 
tones mellowed or thundered their way into the 
hearts of listening people; he never ridiculed 
the less informed, for he recalled his own days, 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 171 

when lie was a butt of ridicule. He believed 
firmly in the proverb of Phillips Academy: 
"Never muzzle the oxen, when they are press- 
ing out the corn. ' ' 

So he spoke with the back-woods-man, as a 
man who would never retract, though the back- 
woods-man might carry the tooth-pick of 
"Coligny" twixt tooth and tooth with great 
distinction, as to purpose. An unkempt philo- 
sopher like John Rifle, though hard and horny 
of hand, could plant the seeds of agitation with 
great wholesome truth, and a descendent of 
Moses Embree, could write sharply upon the 
labor question, knowing that thousands toiled 
on in economic labor. Mr. Webster also held a 
timely letter sent by Mr. Cheny advocating the 
sale of public lands to be used for the purpose 
of the liberated Slaves of America. 

"But the time is not ripe," cried Mr. Web- 
ster. "America cannot afford to pay millions 
for her slaves as England did. The son of Ham 
is worth more bound than free; politicans are 
now agitating this question, and though their 
conscience suffers greatly from it, they cannot 



172 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

coerce silence; I know of nothing in the consti- 
tution that will stop the explosion that ever 
follows Truth/ ' 

Mr. Webster was most conversant with all 
ethics pertaining to industrial government; he 
knew the times were full of pummelling and 
force ; when the rabble shouted ' ' Settle things, ' ' 
he knew it meant the knife, followed by the 
requiem of ' ' God rest his soul. ' ' 

Did Mr. Webster in his own hour of disap- 
pointment realize Pompey's sad feelings, in 
these words: "More worship the rising than 
the setting sun." 

Mr. Webster passed over into Illinois, de- 
spite Thos. Lippineott's fiery hand-bills, where 
he interviewed the famous Yale Band on the 
wording (as they understood it) of the constitu- 
tion. As a result of this visit, Mr. Webster was 
as widely quoted as was Father Cartright: 
"fur he's better eddicated," said the back- 
woodsman. 

It was indeed true that Webster's great 
Hanover speech was as a mole hill to his later 
profundity of thought. 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 173 

About this time, Abe Lincoln was forking hay 
equal to six men and also stumping the country 
and eating mince pie; His wit and wisdom 
caused Billy Green of New Salem to declare: 
"When Abe comes into his own, I shall carve 
his profile on yonder oak tree to commemorate 
the North, leaving space on the South for his 
opponent. ' ' 

Knowing that early St. Louis believed more 
in Tom Paine than the Bible, it is probable, that 
Mr. Webster failed utterly in his endeavor to 
locate Satan during his western tour, for the 
anti-slavery societies were busy during that 
time, and the fiat of "Hard times" had sent 
forth this cry; "Flour $15 a barrel;" "Pork 
$10 hundred weight;" "agriculture devoid of 
results." Men were busy spoutin' politics, in 
their mad hunt for the rainbow of pottage; 
simplicity of living was a well known fact to 
the "Liberty" meeting held in the "Lord's 
Barn" in Quincy, where the Yale Band organ- 
ized as best they could their famous "Epoch of 
Reform" throughout the State of Illinois. 

Farmers grew skeptical as to an untimate 



174 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

living for their families. It was "Talkin', talk- 
in ', here there and everywhere. ' ' They desired 
a month-piece, that wonld know how to express 
their best wishes; "Abe Lincoln shall be the 
man, for Ninian Edwards is no longer on 
earth." But Abe Lincoln begged them "not to 
let the mildew rust plow nor pick, because Eng- 
land was sending over cheap products." 

Flaming hand-bills announced this speech of 
Lincoln's called "The Economy of Labor." 

"An sich talk, I never hope ter hear agin:" 
quoth the farmer fondly. 

"Full o' labor and capital, wage an' profits: 
an' after mixing it up well, he called it the 
1 Health of agriculture,' which makes the rich 
man richer, an' by jove th' poor man poorer. 

He reminded us thet manufacturin' blotted 
out th' cabin, but replaced it with a mansion: 
then as a pacifier he said ; but who ken discern 
th' taste o' racoon from thet o' lamb, when th' 
results ar' th' same." 

So the Sangamon farmer hunted up his 
American Precepter and read B u n y a n ' s 
"Ladies Accident;" saying they were "neces- 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 175 

sary" adjuncts of a home; then for educa- 
tional advantages gained through daily news, 
he subscribed for the paper edited by Mr. Love- 
joy. 

Did not this paper crystalize the spirit of the 
West, as did the Liberator of Boston, The 
Philanthropist of Cincinnati and the Emancipa- 
tionist of New York? 

Quincy, Galesburg, Waverly, Pleasant 
Groves, Washington, Sand Prairie, Peoria, 
Fairfield, Springfield, Tarrytown, Pekin, Jack- 
sonville and Alton met in a mighty convention 
October 26, 1837. 

Nut-shelled the gist of this meeting might be 
sized up thus : c ' Human rights, the removal of 
the Press, the right of exercising moral influ- 
ence. ' ' 

This noteworthy convention was opened by 
Mr. Love joy himself, while Eev. Blackburn act- 
ed as Chairman, with Eev. Graves chosen as 
Sec'y pro tern. 

After earnest prayer, the meeting declared 
its principles. 

"The system of American slavery is a stig- 



176 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

ma, and we must co-operate together in ex- 
punging it from our country's records.' ' 

Sixteen counties enrolled and discussion was 
conducted by parliamentary procedure. Rev. 
Beecher, Mr. Turner and Mr. Linder were ask- 
ed to appoint a committee on convention work. 
The Friends of Inquiry running through its mo- 
tive, reported thus: " Resolved that Congress 
has no right to abolish slavery, the legislature 
in any state has no right to emancipate the slave 
without knowing that municipal regulations dif- 
fer in every state. Abolishment of slavery 
means civil war." 

Mr. Linder moved for a committee of the 
whole, and thus gave all citizens a chance to 
talk; the result showed nine resolutions were 
then open for discussion; of which, the second 
mentioned the slave as private property, for 
which compensation should be paid, if liberated ; 
basing this privilege upon the fundamental 
principles of the United States. 

Did Illinois hold a curative legislation for 
its slave-holding sister state " Missouri !" 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 177 

"Should Mr. Lovejoy longer associate him- 
self with Alton newspapers?" 

These questions were asked by a kinsman of 
Ninian Edwards and ably seconded by Mr. 
Linder, whose slanted eye-brows bespoke ap- 
proval: "Shall we put it to vote?" casting a 
cutting glance in Rev. Beecher's direction: 

"There stands a churchman and a patriot 
too," for he knew this gentleman's attitude to- 
ward right and apprehended it by adding: 

"But he belongs to Morgan County." 

"True," replied the pastor, "but common 
consent should ever carry weight in Illinois, if it 
voices the Will of the people. 

"But according to legal procedure you can- 
not vote in this county." 

This was followed by remarks about Mr. 
Lovejoy falsifying his original contract when he 
came over into Illinois. 

1 ' Pooh ! gentlemen his paper is like a scorch- 
ing iron and causes much spleen ; I say let law- 
yers to their quarrels and preachers to their 
people's sins," cried an angry voice. 

This interruption did not interfere with the 



178 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

lawyer's remarks in the least, for he calmly 
went on: 

"The interests and privileges of all citizens 
appeal to me for it is through their quibbles 
and combats that I have discovered that the 
greatest maximum of calculation is quite as im- 
portant as a minimum of error: 'I find the 
abstract principles of Jeffersonian theories 
greatly affect the intellect of those not trained 
to counselorship, by any far fetched decision of 
an editorial column as viewed by their august 
eyes, while the stump claims still smaller privi- 
leges. Let Mr. Love joy speak again.' ' 

"In Jefferson's speech, behold the picture 
of the half bleached face of the slave, called 
Amalgamation. Was he considered a fanatic, 
because he dared to prophesy; this fact 'I trem- 
ble for my country, when I consider God is 
just and that justice never sleeps;' numbers, 
nature and natural causes all will revolve the 
wheels of time until the stiuation will prove the 
Justice of God's law. I therefore strongly re- 
spect constitutional laws." 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 179 

This reply did not prove that Mr. Love- 
joy was full of colonial bigotry, because he quot- 
ed political science to abet his cause. Should the 
Editor be put into a straight jacket, because he 
had become like a pillar of fire! 

Much confusion as to promulgated ways 
arose and it remained for the Mayor to 
quell the turmoil by cries of : 

" Peace! Don't let agitation grasp the city; 
social, pecuniary and political influences will 
protect the South, though it feels much duty is 
owing the North. 

Public opinion is ever the weight of balance, 
but should it revise the constitution in order to 
reflect the spirit of 1778." 

It was true Capitol controled the Negro, 
whose fear beset life reached far back into the 
lion-hunted forests of Africa, fully one thousand 
years, when personal safety was his only 
asset. Priests of cotton were despots of the 
whip, who knew that every spike driven into 
southern soil meant a nail in the coffin of 
slavery. 

Eev. Beecher arose and pleaded like a mod- 



180 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

era Simonides for the Cross : i i Let not the river 
of agitation sink into the significance of a creek ; 
keep the down-trodden slave in ignorance and 
he will be devoid of conscience, he will also 
know no law." Many stool pigeons stood far 
back blinking like catamounts, and declaring 
Mr. Lovejoy to be but a pliant tool of the East. 

"I fear his work will only quicken after his 
death' ' remarked a brother in cloth sadly. 

Many white people of the flesh eating, whis- 
key-drinking tobacco-chewing class drifted into 
hear these men plead the Editor's cause, but 
their faculties were stunted by riotous living 
and they were too strongly swayed by their 
ponderous leaders to heed aught but the will of 
self. 

During one of these meetings, when words 
burned deeply into the cause of right, a man 
entered who was looked up to with much re- 
spect as to opinion: He claimed to be a great 
friend of Mr. Lovejoy 's cause. 

When the audience was urged to join the 
Editor's cause, this man began to fumble with 
his kid gloves in nervous trepidation, half rising 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 181 

to go forward; suddenly he sank back in his 
chair, his countenance bearing the look of one 
who had unexpectedly plunged his foot into hot 
water. 

Had Mr. Lovejoy not been a man of great 
moral courage, he would have succumbed to the 
shock, of seing a quondam friend deny him 
succor. "Tue Quoque." 



182 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

CHAPTER XVI. 
■'Yea, tho I walk through the valley of the 

shadows, I will fear no evil." — Psalms. 

The hour was late yet his work was most 
pressing: Mr. Love joy looked thoughtfully 
over the reports of a meeting held at the home 
of Mr. Hulburt, where the Illinois Anti-Slavery 
Society had used the "preamble" as their cor- 
nerstone. 

There had been entered in its minutes the 
sentiments of the Editor and the names of the 
following officers: President, Elihu "Wolcott, 
Jacksonville; Vice-Presidents, H. Coomis, H. 
Snow, T. Powell, F. Colt and A. Russell; Board 
of Managers, eight; Executive Committee, five; 
Corresponding Secretary, Mr. Love joy, also on 
the Executive Committee ; Recording Secretary, 
Mr. Hulburt; Treasurers, T. Whipple and S. E. 
Moore; Signatures, fifty-five. 

"Thus is fledged for flight, God's great 
work," whispered the Editor to himself. 
"Human happiness, primal chastity, control 
of corporal and intellectual powers, esteem 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 183 

and relation of legislatures; all are subject 
to the Preamble of the Constitution; wher 
the most high God hath made of one bl< 
all men who dwell upon the face of the 
earth; so, thought Franklin, framer of- the 
Constitution; so thought Jefferson, author 






'^y x ^ ■' *' 



,. 1 



The Hand-Writing of Elijah Lovejoy. 

of the Declaration of Independence; how its 
morale is sweeping the East through the con- 
servative 'Times,' whose blood-hounds have 



184 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

long sniffed at the heels of slavery ; lullabies are 
murmured by various hand maidens, since the 
Tribune began to weave its logic in with a 
stronger warp. The polar needle of politics has 
given to slavery a large scope." 

In his span of tumultuous life, did Mr. Love- 
joy give to his associates any of his own attri- 
butes or did he crystallize them into statues- 
que figures with no red blood coursing through 
their arteries ! could he give them his own vital- 
ization ? 

He knew that all Epochs of reform were 
full of virile men, and that responsible people 
sweetened its core. 

If interests failed to reconcile collective peo- 
ple, some compromise might smooth out the 
difficulty: he knew the Observer was a popular 
paper; should it die or should persecution re- 
move it to the center of the State? 

Reports had been brought him of a mass 
meeting held far out in the suburbs of the city, 
where quavering Grandsires posed as speakers. 

11 Woe! woe! is hanging over the fair city of 
Alton. The cry o' th' Piasa Bird is heard again, 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 185 

an' in the settin' sun's rays behold the glitter of 
its crest; the press is too allurm' fur th' young, 
they learn ter catch darkness too soon by th' 
throat, without bein' eddicated how to do so. 
Tannin ' leather is a trade that don't require 
eddication, but weuns ar' covetous ez to breed; 
even wen th' poor law of 1610 poured emigra- 
tion into America, Virginia elbowed fur 
them ter cum thar; it knew Rachael and Leah 
would git ter quarreling an' so they did, but 
they ended it all by passing two Indian Arrows 
to th' king; which they called a curtailed ser- 
mon. Agitation makes us old uns live on stubble 
instead o' corn." 

Then cried out another city father who hap- 
pened in there : 

"Why harp on past experience, what hap- 
pens to the wise, also happens to the fool. The 
laws of 'Moses/ suited 'Solon and suited Jus- 
tinian and Charlemagne ; ' so why nibble at 
things afar off. It is not hunger, that produces 
the worker, it is appetite; the young ever reviles 
religion as brambles, and Christianity as thistles, 
little knowing the sting is the same; know you 



186 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

after every forced attendance at prayer meet- 
ing our youth runs swiftly past the hitching 
posts in front of the city hall crying 'They 
form a cross.' That is the working of their 
conscience, is all." 

In the quiet of that night, the Editor took his 
pen in hand and wrote a fitting response, show- 
ing his skill in clearing vantage ground by 
subtiety. 

"That the child may become father to the 
man, by explanation means that education is 
capable of restoring mental vigor, such as all 
new countries require in order to progress. So 
the rank and file of humanity require perfect 
union with a permanent basis of sound think- 
ing through education." 

As the night wore on apace, the world gvo^ 
very still; suddenly, there came a vigorous 
knocking, and without ado, the door was 
flung violently open, and two men stood within ; 
their appearance was most evil; the Editor- 
rose up in great apprehension, asking their 
' - ion. 

"We are Belle and Little of Mississippi as 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 187 

you know, and we want the Press/' answered 
the spokesman assuming a most threatening 
manner. 

"The press is not here, as you know." 

"We ar' white like yourself, and won't 
longer tolerate amalgamation, such ez you 
would hev our families labeled with. We have 
been lowered by you euttin and dryin our 
course, that is of value to weuns, if we holds 
fast; we want the press an' we want the Editor 
too." 

Suiting purpose to words, they grabbed the 
Editor with unsteady hands, endeavoring to 
drag him outside; but his lusty cry soon brought 
a house-guest to his rescue; there was consid- 
erable scuffle, but finally the two men succeeded 
in throwing the drunken men over the door-sill 
and barred the door; shadowy forms immedi- 
ately came forth from under cover and a torrent 
of abuse profaned the air without ; with derisive 
howls the gang finally left the vicinity crying: 

"The Press, The Press, to the river with the 

Press." 



188 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 




ZETH 



The Last Hand-Press (Washington) is 

a Trophy of Alton, Illinois. 

Recovered by the Spark's Milling Co., 1916, Alton, 111. 

As a result of this night's ferment, the fol- 
lowing morning showed that the press had 
again disappeared. Then it was that the news 
went forth that Editor Lovejoy had handed in 
his resignation to a morning newspaper of the 
city. ^m : W 

This fact was, however, nipped in the bud 
by a brother of the cloth happening in at the 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 189 

time when Joe Brown brought the message to 
the Editor, who sat sorely perplexed as to what 
was best to do. 

"Mr. Lovejoy shall not resign/ ' said this 
pastor calmly, "his paper is too valuable to die, 
its crucible test is at hand. ' ' So saying the lat- 
ter coolly pocketed the note. 

This action greatly relieved that well-known 
Editor's conscience, for he was rid of a very 
disagreeable duty. 

* ' So be it ' ' said he. Again adorned with the 
glorious robe of Solomon, Mr. Lovejoy lifted up 
his head explaining tersely : 

"It was pressure and anxiety for my family 
that caused my act." 

' ' I must call a city council, ' ' mused the May- 
or, pulling his long nose thoughtfully. "There 
will be another Press forthcoming, if Mr. Love- 
joy can stand being stoned like Stephen; there 
must be newer resolutions formed to avoid 
cross-purposes such as last night brought forth ; 
though I must say, I never met with a more 
gentlemany set of rowdies ; They will not stand 
a Socratic questioning however; surely my bed 



190 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

is not one of roses; but I shall consult friends 
first.' ' 

The Mayor seemed in a quandary; he often 
appeared reluctant in duty; in reality, he under- 
took to do individually what groups should do, 
not realizing that he should never seek pater- 
nalism in governing a people. 

To forbid and to permit are quite important 
as factors, but are of very different results. 



The days following were fraught with a 
panacea of political anxiety, such as determines 
all final disasters, that are amenable to criminal 
laws. 

Citizens, though willing to reinstate the 
Press, murmured hoarsely about fallacious rea- 
soning; in their hearts they felt that it was by 
this time but a hydra-head of corruption. 

The council groaning with despair, had 
hoped Alton would become a Rock of Ages; 
finally twenty-five volunteers came forward and 
offered to stand guard over the next press. Ad- 
vice floated around as light as thistle-down ; but 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 191 

the gewgaws of ordinance were just veneered 
dross. 

Jack-whet-stones and the Hurrah Boys 
sought conference together with no interference ; 
their numbers grew with a spontaneous growth. 
Staunch citizens conferred among themselves, 
as to how best handle civic laws; no one 
seemed to have energy enough to declare that 
legal authority must be installed first. 

It was a moment fraught with future am- 
bition for Alton, should it allow the Editor to 
flee like Paul before Festus ? 

Striking conditions had selected this fair 
city of the hills to become a leading western 
metropolis; the city had awoke from its leth- 
argy too late, albeit through altercation. 

The edge of the precipice is always danger- 
ous, still below often lie fertile pastures. 

How many often speculate as to chance, even 
planning routes that lie only on paper, forget- 
ting that it is strategy that finally wins out. 

And Alton possessed great strategy in its 
frontier life, it Indian experience, its lesson 
from its woods, its swampy sink-holes; but it 



192 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

was most unwise in the selection of its Lead- 
ers, which fact shattered many well-planned 
schemes. The times hatched out a Paradox. 
The influx of wrong population was a despoiler, 
which the city did not grasp but beheld only, as 
it saw fit. This Paradox might be best repre- 
sented as a " Floating bridge." What might 
have been, occurs to many cities which cease to 
grow; one may kindle at will a Spanish air 
castle, but to build up a mighty wall or create a 
standing army requires the master mind of 
timely men. 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 193 

CHAPTER XVII. 

"When he had opened the * Fifth Seal/ I saw 

the souls of them, That were slam for 

the word of God." — Rev. 6-9. 

The melancholy days of November hastened 
toward the new year; its dark days seemed dis- 
tressed with dubious feelings; The situation, 
as analyzed, was of most mighty dimensions; 
the fundamental basis of constitutional free 
speech seemed of little value compared to the 
Will of the majority: in cosmic ignorance, 
Jack-whet-stone gathered up sticks and stones 
one dark night, and many citizens wore con- 
cealed fire-arms, for a flat had gone forth. 
The warehouse of Gilman, awaited the arrival 
of the last press, around which was soon to be 
twined a cypress vine. 

"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you 
and persecute you for my sake, for so persecuth 
they the prophets of old." 

"But he that over-cometh and keepeth my 
works unto the end, to him will I give power 
over all. ' ' 



194 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 



"And when he had opened the Fifth Seal, 
I saw under the altar the souls of them that 
were slain for the word of God." 

Such words were doubtless felt within the 
hearts of the twenty-five noble defenders with- 
in the warehouse that night, who were willing to 
risk their lives as a testimony of Faith in the 
noble cause for which Mr. Love joy gave his life. 



PI 


^M^^m^Mm 


Hillllii 


1 -_- 


SSSSSHswSiliWilfe 


t~ 


- Sll^i 


• 

v > : " ' 


Sfe q Ibs3 


f y y- 







The Ware-House on the Mississippi Where Mr. Lovejoy was 

Killed. 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 195 

When the night grew late, the rabble on the 
river banks grew larger, until to those who 
peered out of the warehouse chinks they seemed 
but a collective whole, so massed together were 
they. The brick warehouse standing so firmly 
on the north bank of the Mississippi, presented 
such a well fortified front on the east and north 
with its closed shutters and solid structure, that 
those within felt a great assurance of safety, 
though they kept a watchful eye without. 

"These Sadducees outside are servants of 
the evil one; for a servant knoweth not what 
the master mind doeth; he is of the world, and 
he knows that evil cannot cloak sin in the light." 
So saying and turning away from his volun- 
teers, Mr. Lovejoy inspected the fastenings of 
the door ; while there he heard the Mayor vainly 
pleading with the mob without: "Desist I beg 
of you." 

"We want the press, " they roared back. 

"I will never give up the Press,' ' shouted 
Mr. Lovejoy through the closed door to those 
without : his words seemed to add further fury 



196 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

to the now maddened mob, who howled in deri- 
sion. 

1 * Brothers,' ' cried Mr. Love joy to the de- 
fenders, "We will stand as the Thermopyle of 
American freedom; let me repeat what may be 
my epitaph: 

* Whether on the scaffold high, 

Or on the battles van ; 
The noblest place for man to die, 
Is when he dies for Man.' 
Let these sentiments linger in your hearts for- 
ever; and herein may ye bear much fruit, for 
ye have glorified the father." 

" Gentlemen' ' warned a loud voice from 
without: "Save yourselves, save yourselves." 

With one accord the defenders rushed to the 
loft where the odor of burning wood was most 
apparent. 

"The roof is afire" cried a defender. 

"They have raised ladders to the roof" 
cried another. 

"We shall be caught like rats in a trap" 
cried a third, fearful of results. 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 197 

Then they counciled together as one man, 
and Mr. Lovejoy extolled their bravery in de- 
claring their wish to remain with him to the 
end. 

"But if any one of you wish to depart, you 
have my sanction." 

"We will remain" cried they in one voice, 
and like faithful mastiffs the men awaited fur- 
ther developments. 

"Defenders of Liberty," cried their Leader, 
"Should the work which I have begun yield to 
this night's pressure, I will stand by the 
press alone." 

A fire brigade was then quickly formed and 
seizing a bucket of water, Mr. Lovejoy as leader 
ran quickly up the ladder leading to the roof 
and successfully reached the creeping flames; 
then he turned to crawl back; but the fire had 
gained headway and was greedily licking its 
way windward with stifling breath. 

Below, the mob was rushing madly to and 
fro, intent only, upon doing its fiendish work; 
their number was constantly increasing. The 
whole town seemed awake and gazing like a 



198 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

Nero upon the burning building, wherein were 
housed the faithful few. Suddenly it gasped in 
horror, for against the blackness of the heavens 
lit up by advancing flames was outlined a sil- 
houette, that seemed to balance itself on the 
peaked roof. It was the Editor, who overcome 
by his efforts rose upright, in endeavoring to re- 
turn to the loft door in the roof. 

A momentary silence ensued, the mob stood 
at bay; then like the fury of maddened beasts, 
there arose a howl as of one voice. A howl that 
only sounds its master tone — DEATH. 

A shot rang out on the midnight air, the 
shot sought its target with faithful aim; under 
the cover of darkness, a coward's hand had 
pulled the trigger; 

"Whether on the scaffold high 

Or on the battles van; 
The noblest place for man to die, 
Is when he dies for man." 

Wounded unto death, the Editor painfully 
crawled back to the loft opening, where friendly 
hands quickly drew him within. 

They placed him beside his press. 



THE FIFTH SEAL. 199 

' ' Greater love hath no man, that he lay down 
his life for his brothers." said they solemnly. 
In the faint prayer that came back, ere the 
Editor breathed his last, were heard these 
words : ' ' Father forgive them, they know not 
what they do." 

"The Editor is dead" said one to another in 
awesome whisper. What more remained, than 
to open the door and exclaim to the mob with- 
out; "The Editor is dead." 

So great is the dynamo of human nature, it 
often becomes just mechanical force ; such was 
no doubt the effect upon the mob, that had 
displayed such an abnormal hatred of a Cause 
that was favored by a Majority Vote. 

"The Editor is dead." 

A roar arose, which boded no good: "The 
press, the Press." "We want the Press," and 
with one accord they rushed within the opened 
doors of the famous warehouse. 

On an improvised bier, covering a secret 
trap door through which the last press was 
thrown into the river and known to but a few, 
lay the form of the Editor, cold in death. 



200 THE FIFTH SEAL. 

"He gave his life for Freedom" wept his 
defenders, and even now in death he keeps the 
faith; well done good and faithful servant, 
whose work will go on. ' ' 

Thus died a man whom the state of Illinois 
venerated many years later by erecting a hand- 
some marble shaft in Alton City cemetery, 
given to Alton, as a perpetual burying place. 
There rests the body; hither his spirit calls 
annually many pilgrims to a "Shrine of Free- 
dom,." 

"Jacet Hie In Pacem." 



For many years the Mississippi River held 
the secret of the press, then the waters divided 
and from its turbulent grave, fragment of the 
Press arose; Alton treasures parts and The 
Chicago Historical Society also exhibits parts, 
of what is said to be the Last Press of Elijah 
Parish Lovejoy. 



All Rights Reserved 



